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(8/22/18)
NOW FOR SALE!
Fully
restored Zenith 12-tube WALTON!
See
specs and pictures of this radio in the Zenith section below.
Serious
inquiries only to marydillon935@yahoo.com
The antique radios shown on this site
either are or have been in my personal collection. Some left before I began
posting them here. Others are not yet to the point where I wish to display
them. I have rarely purchased a radio in good condition for one reason: I
love to bring radios back from the dead, rescued from the trash heap and
returned to their former glory. The Zenith 5-S-319 above is one example though
some of those pictured on this site were far worse. I try to recreate the
"when it was new" experience with 50-75 year
old radios. My experience has covered the full range from small
plastic radios to a Sparton Nocturne. A Ham Radio
operator at 14 and an electronic technician for over 40 years, restoration
of antique radios became my passion.
If a radio has a finish or covering that is in excellent
condition, I will only clean and polish it but will also clean and polish brass,
chrome and plastic parts that will make it look as new as possible. (Some
restorers prefer the "aged" look on the brass but in most cases,
I don't think the brass looked 50 years old when it was new
so I polish it.) If the finish or covering is badly worn, I will completely
refinish or recover the set trying to maintain the original look as best I
can. Many collectors may disagree with my philosophy, but to me an antique
radio that doesn't work is not nearly as attractive or desirable as one
that does. I update the electronics by adding new polarized cords at the
expense of originality, replace all electrolytic and paper capacitors
whether they are still operating or not and always replace selenium
rectifiers with newer silicon diodes for one reason: an unrestored set is
not safe to operate. The design of many of these old sets made
electrocution possible simply by plugging the set in backwards. 50 to 75 year old capacitors and selenium rectifiers are fire
hazards. If it is not going to have the electronics restored, the plug
should be cut off for safety.
The radios are categorized first by
Manufacturer and then by Model and available using the links below.
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