Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Zenith 5D811 Antique Bakelite Tube Radio 1949 Serviced, Looks and Plays Great

MODEL, YEAR, FEATURES: I tried to show this 1949 Zenith Model 5D811 in several shots so you might appreciate the beauty of the polished dark maroonish brown Bakelite cabinet that picks up a beautiful mottled effect in stronger lighting. Notable features are the recessed gold metal grill and the transparent circular dial scale on the right with station pointer. Everything is brightly lit with the pilot light that shines right through a “Z” logo at the upper center (see photo in dimly lit room). Accenting the cabinet are a pair of Zenith’s brass collared knobs that shine like new, and the top carry handle. Radio has been recently serviced and cleaned, and will play well for years to come with a warm tube driven sound from the original speaker.

CONDITION, REFURBISHING, PERFORMANCE: Bakelite cabinet in excellent condition with a beautiful gloss from hand rubbing. No cracks, nicks or scratches to be found, and it displays beautifully. The “Z” logo was damaged on this radio, and a new one was carefully crafted under a microscope for accuracy, and looks right in place. Metal grill is flawless, and the dial scale has no warping or scratches, retaining perfect graphics and numerals. Large pointer rotates without slipping when tuning knob is turned, radio is in fine working condition now that the electronics have been serviced and aligned. A long list of items was inspected, measured for tolerance, and serviced including wiring, and a replacement of capacitors. Power cord is new, dial mechanics were cleaned and lubed, chassis cleaned, and tubes tested. Even the handle was rebuilt to restore its springiness. Reception is very pleasant on this set without hum or distortion, and it’s sensitive across the AM band. Radio comes from a smoke & pet free home free of odors. Original backboard in exc undamaged shape (unusual for a 62 year old set), original knobs & fasteners present. Tube layout diagram clear & undamaged on the inside of cabinet, 5D811 model number stamping is visible on back & bottom panels. The tubes (shown lit up in one photo) are easily serviced from the back side. Photos will represent the set well as you scroll down the page.

DIMENSIONS, SHIPPING: Radio measures 12.2 inches wide, stands 7 inches tall, and is 6.6 inches deep from the front of knobs to the back panel (old 6.5 Oz. Coke bottle in one photo placed to give sense of scale and show reflective surfaces). I have shipped hundreds of delicate tube radios all over the world for the past 12 years on eBay with fine packing materials and methods, so no worries. Paypal welcome along with other payments, radio will be sent off on the day or day after payment is received. Ground shipping will be the most cost effective, but I can ship using faster methods if needed, and will consider local pickup in SF bay area.


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