1942 Zenith 10-S-669 Radio

This is a 1942 Zenith console. I bought this about 6 years ago, for $125, which I felt was fair considering the cabinet is immaculate (perfect photo-finish on the front), and the radio is working. Now, there is a bit of a hum which will need to be fixed some point soon, but considering that all of the components are original, I can't really complain.

The only downside is that the glass dial has a chip in it, and I have been unable to locate a replacement (if anyone knows, please let me know!). It's a convex dial glass, which seems hard to find. The only work I did on it, was to clean the controls, and replace the rubber dial band (which is often broken). The previous owner had replaced much of the rubber wiring already.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• zenith
• console
• radio
• antique
• vintage
• old
• photo finish
• tubes
• black dial

[a587g]

Yeah, I haven't seen many in good condition. I have 2 of these, both are in great shape (though I think the one in the video is a little better than the other). They both work well, too, with just about all the original components. Yeah, you're right about modern electronics... they give off so much interference!

[fredro2]

Good that the radio is still functioning. If the capacitors have not been replaced, you will take the chance of frying the big transformer. Once the radio has been playing for a while (about an hour or so) feel the transformer. If it feels uncomfortably warm to the touch, the caps are really straining the transformer. Best of luck with it.

[Bondurs]

I just acquired one of these a month ago, and have just started working on it. And yes, I have to rewire a lot of it because of the rubber-coated wire! The cabinet on mine is in great shape, plus I need some new grille cloth. I'll post it when it is done.

[19Spencer80]

I just decided to sell mine on ebay tonight...I need to thin out my collection. I will post a video of it. Thanks

[19Spencer80]

You beat me to it. I was going to do a video of my 10s669 sometime- These were common sets of the time and most are found with the cabinet in terrible shape with veneer destroyed. I paid around $350 for mine due original condition of cabinet. By the way all the new electronics we have nowadays really cause crazy stuff to happen when trying to pick up stationstry unplugging them and see what happens. Also, unplug the radio when not using it. Thanks for the posting.