Vanilla Ivory Mid Century 1955 Zenith Model Z-515W Vacuum Tube AM Clock Radio Beauty Sounds Fantastic!
DESCRIPTION: Tabletop tube AM clock radio alarm manufactured by Zenith in 1955 time frame in excellent working and very good physical condition. Very popular owl eyes design in original factory painted ivory white color.
SOUND QUALITY: Picks up AM stations very clearly and loudly around the dial without need of external antenna attachment.
CABINET CONDITION: Cabinet is original factory molded Bakelite that was painted ivory white at the Zenith factory. All original factory paint has dings throughout due to age. No cracks or major scratches or missing pieces. There is a chip on the front top edge. Clock clear cover in excellent condition with no cracks, no chips or micro-inclusions. Clock function lettering is excellent condition with no rub off. Tuning side clear cover is not missing. Usually this L-series model has tuning side clear cover, but this one came from the factory with out it. I am sure because the whole tuning section window is molded Bakelite so there's back metal plate where the clear plastic cover would normally be installed.
KNOBS: All original matching white clock function knob. Factory original white volume and tuning knobs are in excellent condition with gold metal inserts no tarnish or rust.
LOGO: No missing logos. Front black factory painted raised General Electric logo is not worn off.
DIAL LIGHT: No dial light. Not designed with one but can be added for an extra charge.
CLOCK: Clock works and keeps accurate time. Clock motor is silent no humming no buzzing no ticking noises. Alarm and clock set function works and goes off at the correct set times. Buzzer works. No sleep timer works. No snooze button.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents so this radio has another 50+ years or more of playing time! The tubes are working fine. Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static-free performance. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. There is no loud or pervasive hum. There is no loud or pervasive static between stations. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
POWER CORD: Brand new replacement power cord and plug are in excellent working condition. No breaks, no splits, no repair with electrical tape, or other. No exposed wiring.
BACKING BOARD: Factory original backing board is intact securely attached excellent condition. All four orignal t-pins.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: Bottom factory label is intact and excellent readable condition.
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoking, moisture, or pets. Was probably used in or near the kitchen for much of its life.
COLOR: white ivory
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 13" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs 2 oz
ADD BLUETOOTH: See pricing and info here
ADD Smart Speaker: See pricing and info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT: See pricing and info here
Webpage menu of upgrade services here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: Bakelite
Period: 1950s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.
Vacuum tubes: tested and working. Amplifier, converter, detector, pre-amplifier, rectifier