Burgundy Oxblood Mid Century 1955-56 Zenith Model Z522R Vacuum Tube AM Clock Radio Rare Model With All Bells and Whistles!
DESCRIPTION: Rare tabletop tube AM clock radio alarm manufactured by Zenith in 1955-56 time frame in excellent working and physical condition. Mid-fifties modern design in original factory molded burgundy oxblood-ish color. Very rare model in a very rare color with bells and whistles! Rare meaning that in our business, we see one of these only once every couple of years. Has two factory original designed lights: clock light with dimmer and tuning light! Front facade is unique and texturally interesting with individually faceted grid boxes across the entire front. Original two front standing legs makes radio look like it's levitating!
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 burgundy oxblood-ish plastic. No ccracks, or major scratches or missing pieces. There is a chip on the front top edge. There are small micro fractures along the top front edge. All gold metal trim is in excellent condition with no dents, rust, oxidation or rub off. Clock and tuning white back panel is in excellent condition with no rust, oxidation trails, fading, some light water staining. Clock and tuning clear cover is in excellent condition with no crack or major scratches securely attached.
KNOBS: Factory original matching gold three clock function knobs are securely attached. No stripped internal post slots. Original factory matching volume and tuning knobs with gold metal inserts are in excellent condition. CLock light dimmer switch tip is a replcement.
LOGO: No missing logos. Front Zenith crown logo is in excellent condition.
DIAL LIGHT: Has very rare two working lights! Original dial light works and lights brightly! Replacement LED bulb will not need to be replaced for years! Has seperate clock light with dimmer switch which works! I think this is the only seperate dimmable clock light from any manufacturer from the fifties.
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. 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: Original power cord and plug are in excellent condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring.
BACKING BOARD: Original backing board is in very good condition with no ripped corners and securely attached with all 4 original t-pins.
FACTORY LABELS AND STICKERS: No missing labels. Original bottom factory label is mostly there, readable, some water staining
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Has been in our reserve inventories for a long time. 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, cooking grease, pets or carpet.
COLOR: burgundy oxblood
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 13" x 6" x 6" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 5 lbs 3 oz
ADD BLUETOOTH MP3 See info here
ADD A SMART SPEAKER. See info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT: See info here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: plastic
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