This is a stunning and near perfect 1937 Zenith, model 10S130 tube radio. It is about as nice as you will ever likely find. This one has been completely restored and refurbished inside and out and from top to bottom. This is the top of the line tombstone model for 1937. The book matched walnut veneered cabinet is beautifully finished with a near flawless lacquer finish. Every effort was taken to reproduce original look of this radio. The cabinet was finished using Mohawk sealer and lacquer. Wood repairs were made as necessary. Tone lacquer was used on the trim wood to keep with the original appearance. The grille cloth is a reproduction of the original pattern. The famous black Zenith “Black Dial” is in mint condition as is the dial glass. The brass pointer and the red second hand are perfect and moves nicely around the dial. The four original wood Z knobs are also perfect.
Zenith model 10S452 produced in 1940. Zenith chairside radio production started in 1937 and end in 1942. They were not popular with the buying public and very few were produced over the years. As with anything with low production numbers make it rare and collectible. All large tube count Zenith chairside radios are in high demand now. Keep in mind the cabinet design of a chairside traps and holds heat. Yes Zenith did provide ways for heat to escape, but heat is still trapped. I am sure many failures came about because of this trapped heat. Also I'll bet some spilled glasses of liquid might have caused some failures too.
Pictured to the right is a 10S443. Zenith for 4 years made some very large table radios. The chassis are the same as used in a console. Zenith installed 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 tube console chassis in these table sets. Very powerful radios driving an 8 inch speaker. Kind of over kill. These radios are uncommon today. I am sure Zenith made very few. They were not very good sellers. As a table radio they took up too much space. Now they are highly collectible.
The one that started me collecting radios. A Westinghouse WR-214. My wife and I have a 1924 Story and Clark player piano. I said to her one day we need an antique radio in the living room to accent the piano. She said sure let's go look for one. Go figure.... So we looked for a while. I found this one in a local antique shop. I knew nothing about collecting radios. How about my luck finding a rare Westinghouse for $75.00. Of course it was 20 years ago. I have had offers to purchase it many times. And I was tempted to sell at times. And every time my wife says NO..... My wife is attached to it as well as many others. Most collectors do not have an understanding wife when it comes to putting these large radios all over the house. Well I do. A little understanding on both sides thou. She has over 500 antique dolls in 7 large cases. If I do not complain about the dolls... she just rolls her eyes as I bring another Zenith in the house.