EXTRA RARE 1937 Prototype Zenith Tube Radio Precursor to the Georgian & Louis XV
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Here we have a very rare 1937 Zenith console radio. It was found at an estate sale here in Chicago. The family had a grandfather who was once a Zenith employee. We've searched and searched and can find no other examples of this radio. It is definitely a family member and precursor to the 1938 Georgian and Louis XV family of Zenith radio cabinets. It features curved legs, brass ormolu, sliding doors that reveal the big backlit dial with the bulls eye tuning. It has a 10 tube chassis and the large speaker is covered with an acoustic adapter. We are unable to find a model number anywhere on the copper painted chassis or inside the cabinet. This rare, possibly one of a kind Zenith cabinet measures 43" x 27" x 17". All 5 knobs are original wooden Zenith knobs but two appear to have factory "Bone White" paint which they offered that year. ******************Initially I had some doubts about whether or not this was a true Zenith designed cabinet. For one, the inside of the cabinet is not painted dark blue like most of their consoles were. I checked on other examples and the similar Louis XV cabinets were also not painted on the inside. In addition the rear corner supports match other Zeniths and the quality construction also helped convince me.*******************Condition wise it looks really good for its age, the cabinet is excellent and sturdy. It will need to have the dial glass replaced as it is missing. The grille cloth has some damage. I plugged it in and it lights up but I did not get any sound. It is being sold as is for display and/or restoration. Please feel free to ask questions.