Radio, Zenith Radio Company, 1940-1941

Radio, Zenith Radio Company, 1940-1941

This Zenith console is a radio-phonograph combination. The radio offers standard broadcasts and shortwave, along with adjustments for bass and treble. The record player compartment has a push-button light and wells for storing needles. There is a Zenith Power Antenna at the back that can be rotated for better reception of radio signals. Two narrow compartments at the front are for record storage, as well as two other storage shelves. Cloth covers the front speaker, and the entire case is finished with walnut veneer.

Zenith began in Chicago, IL, in 1918 as the Chicago Radio Laboratory, selling radios under the name “Z‑Nith.” In 1924 they created the world’s first portable radio, and the first automatic push-button radio tuning in 1927. By the time this radio was created, the company had been expanding by leaps and bounds, eventually moving towards television and other consumer electronics.

Object #70.454

Off the Shelves
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  4. Replica Radio-Controlled Model Airplane “Big Guff,” 1937
  5. Dutch Merchantman Model, Handmade, c. 1949
  6. Carrom Board, The Carrom Company, manufactured 1914-1939
  7. Flexible Flyer Sled, S.L. Allen and Company, Inc.
  8. Pieter Van Peenen’s Trunk, c. 1863
  9. Wheelchair, circa 1940s-1950s
  10. Child’s Ladder-Back Chair, 1840-1860
  11. Child’s Rocking Chair, mid-19th century
  12. Baby’s Highchair, 1830-1839
  13. Bassinet, Vermeulen Furniture Company, 1930
  14. Rocking Horse, Pony Boy Manufacturing Company, 1947-1948
  15. Edgars Krasts’ Trunk, c. 1951
  16. Work Table, date unknown
  17. Bicycle, “Mini Miss,” Stelber Bicycle Corporation, c. late 1960s
  18. Electric Stove, Kalamazoo Stove & Furnace Company, 1948-1950
  19. Electro Hygiene Vacuum Cleaner, c. 1940
  20. Pump Organ, Star Organ, c. 1870s
  21. Electric Phonograph Company, 1916-1918
  22. Regina Music Box, c. 1895
  23. Console Television, Model 2U172L Run 2, Magnavox, c. 1960
  24. Radio, Zenith Radio Company, 1940-1941
  25. Bass Drum, Barbour Hall Military Academy Band, c. 1950s-1979
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  29. Carved Chair, purchased 1915
  30. Table, Hinoki Wood, 1915
  31. Settee, c. 1870
  32. Writing Desk and Chair, c. 1880
  33. Singer Sewing Machine, 1927
  34. Underwood Standard Bookkeeping Machine, post-1923
  35. Permanent Wave Machine, c. 1937
  36. Hoekstra’s Hardware Store Sign, 1940s-2017
  37. Test 'Ur Own' Radio and TV Tube Tester, c. Late 1950s - Early 1960s
  38. Telephone Switchboard, 555 PBX (Private Branch Exchange) model, 1955-1969