This is an extremely rare 1938 Zenith model 15U271. This is the mahogany version of the 15U270 walnut model. The 15 tube 'Robot-Dial' console in a walnut finish is the more common version of this cabinet style. The original cost of the 15U271 was $235.00, $10 more than the 15U270 at $225.00. Some of the most serious Zenith radio collectors in the world have never seen this version in person. The 15U270 & 15U271 are the only 1938 15 tube Zenith radios that utilize two speakers, a 12” woofer and a 6” tweeter. Many of the surviving 15U270 and 15U271 suffer from cracking burl on the curved areas on each side of the dial. During the restoration process these areas were repaired. The chassis on this one still has it's model stamp 271. The cabinet paper tag has the model 15U270 crossed out in pencil and hand writhen 271. This was a common practice since Zenith never printed 271 paper tags. They made very few and did not want to go thru the trouble printing model tags. The large black Zenth dial is in perfect shape. The cabinets’ mahogany veneer is beautifully restored with a flawless satin lacquer finish. The grille cloth is a reproduction of the original pattern. The knobs are the original wood Zenith knobs. The superhetrodyne chassis is a performer and plays full dial scale, loud and clear. The radio has had a complete recap electronic restoration - all the electrolytic caps were replaced with new production parts. All the paper foil capacitors were replaced as well. The dial belts are new for smooth motor operation and tuning. The chassis is clean and rust free. The radio has very nice reception with no hum.
Pictured here above is the most common of the 1938 15 tube radios made. 15 tube Zenith radios are not common and easy to find, but this model is the highest production model produced for the 1938 season. I found this radio in a small antique shop in El Paso TX behind 2 china cabinets and a pool table. It was painted 3 different colors black, red and brown. The dealer did not want to sell it, he was going to fix it himself. Needless to say I would not take no for an answer and kept telling him "I wanted to purchase the radio". We moved the pool table and cabinets and placed it in my van.
Another great 15 tube Zenith radio pictured above. It is a 1939 model 15S372. The chassis was purchased separate, it was originally from a chairside. I purchased the empty cabinet from Alan Jesperson. And another radio collector friend had the speaker in stock. Needless to say I got it put together and it looks great.
Called the "Commander" by many Zenith collectors. Named after E.F. McDonald the founder of the Zenith Radio Company. Commander McDonald had two of these models crafted. The 15 tube model 15U246 pictured here to the right and a 12 tube model 12S245 as well. I have the 12 tube version pictured on another page. The difference is the center section that the chassis mounts in. The 15 tube model is noticeable longer to house the large chassis. The radio is so large it does not fit well next to a chair as it was designed too. Alan Jesperson has only located 5 of these in his many years of collection, restoring and selling Zenith radios. And this is one of the 5. So it is truly a very rare Zenith radio.