I jsut found this old Zenith radio, and managed to bring it in from the rain before hte case got damaged. The wood is in beautiful shape, but the speaker fabric is heavily stained and needs replacement, and the radio facing is damaged. Two of the three knobs are missing, and the selector dial background is ripped. The only information I have gotten off the radio is the seriel # (S-16498), and hte Chassis # (8G21). So far, I havn't been able to find any information on this radio type, and was wondering if I could get some help in identifying when it was made, and possible worth. Also, resources for restoration supplies would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for any help!

Owen Fleming
ofleming@iquest.net

Hi,
If there is a tag still inside with the tube placement? If so, it should have the model number. It may also be listed on the patent slip. There is also a chance that it may be embossed into the plywood under where the chassis mounts- readable with a mirror. If there is nothing else there, some Zenith's were only known by their chassis number. If that is not complete, there may be something listed in one of the books in print, or recent print that show your console, and hopefully have it identified precisely.

From your description so far, it sounds like a postwar unit. A check of the Riders online indicates that it is not on the site, but Riders does list it as being in volume 21, Zenith pages 18-22 which would put it around 1951/52. If I can get my software bugs worked out I can try to send you the files, but it may take a few days.

Depending on style, it may not be worth much, or it could be very desirable. Side by side styles of consoles do not normally bring much money. If however it has a phonograph, and it is under the radio, so the radio is about 30 inches wide, it is more desirable. "Value" becomes dependant on many specifics, and not the least of which is regoinal market.

If the radio is one that you like, intrinisic value only becomes relative. As for knobs, some are available as reproductions, some are not.

If the dial scale is just torn, Rock-Sea Enterprises might have one on file. Otherwise, if you have the resources and time, you can scan the old dial once the tear is flattened, and lined up correctly, and then do some "spotting" with a good art program. Some of the grille cloth pattern are available, and some are not. Try www.grillecloth.com to see if he has a pattern that matches.

Links are good resources to check, There are many good links on this site, and also more good ones at www.antiqueradio.org, and there are certainly more to be found elswhere on the web.

: I jsut found this old Zenith radio, and managed to bring it in from the rain before hte case got damaged. The wood is in beautiful shape, but the speaker fabric is heavily stained and needs replacement, and the radio facing is damaged. Two of the three knobs are missing, and the selector dial background is ripped. The only information I have gotten off the radio is the seriel # (S-16498), and hte Chassis # (8G21). So far, I havn't been able to find any information on this radio type, and was wondering if I could get some help in identifying when it was made, and possible worth. Also, resources for restoration supplies would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for any help!

: Owen Fleming
: ofleming@iquest.net