We spared no expense to restore this gorgeous Art Deco console radio, the 1938 Zenith 12S265. It has a premium-grade, 12-tube, high-output chassis and with its 12-inch speaker is an incredible performer. The radio picks up many stations with the simplest antenna, and the wood cabinet provides everything you need to play a deep, rich sound.
History - This model first appeared in the fall of 1937 and sold into 1938 and was one of Zenith’s top-of-the-line radios with some nice showroom features. Particularly interesting is the triangular “Robot Dial,” a term which Zenith used on any radio with a break-away dial from 1938 through 1942. Today, collectors refer to these radios as “Shutter Dial” models, and this particular radio includes that as well as a motorized assist tuning mechanism that lets you spin the dial up and down the band.
The set has three bands: standard AM broadcast and two shortwave bands. The tuning dial is Zenith's signature aviation-style round black dial with a green “magic eye.” The radio has a tuned RF stage ahead of the converter tube. The audio power amplifier section uses two 6V6 tubes in a push-pull circuit—not a typical design—to drive the 12-inch electrodynamic speaker. The unique amplifier section has become today a sign of high-quality design.
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but almost never found restored to this near-perfect condition. We acquired this radio in early 2020 from a private owner—at that time, the chassis was not working, and its cabinet was in very bad shape with its original finish.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration and several upgrades. We stripped the original shellac and toned the top corners and bottom piping and footer with brown lacquer. All other wood got a simple (almost clear) maple stain. All of it was conditioned with grain filler and sander sealer. We then finished the entire cabinet with a flat matte catalyzed lacquer. This makes the original multi-colored veneers pop.
We fixed several abrasions that are now barely noticeable. We added a period correct Zenith reproduction grille cloth and retained the original control knobs. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish round black dial with its white and gold pointers is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. We overlooked no detail, including replacing the frequency indicators on each shutter leaf with new decals. The dial glass is free and clear of any chips, breaks, or cracks. The surrounding brass escutcheon has been cleaned and will keep its antique (but not worn) look well into the future.
Chassis – We took extra steps and worked with a top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum and will last for another 80 years or more. For its age, there was no damage and only minimal, small spots of rust on the chassis. We cleaned the chassis exterior and added rust inhibitor or paint to stop future corrosion. We went through the entire underside of the chassis and replaced all the capacitors and checked and replaced resistors and wires where needed. We also removed the main tuning capacitor and cleaned and lubricated it and then replaced the main grommets that support it.
It now plays stations well across the dial with the simplest antenna. We checked and replaced where needed all tubes with new old stock tubes, including the green Magic Eye tuning tube. It is now bright and works well. We disassembled and lubricated the main tuning capacitor and flywheel tuning mechanism for smooth tuning operation. We replaced the tuning belt and the motor belt with new polyurethane ones that will last indefinitely. A new polarized power cord and power resistor and 1.5A fuse were installed for electrical safety. We checked the auxiliary RCA jack input on the back for the Bluetooth adapter and then performed a complete IF and RF alignment.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 12-inch speaker cleaned and fixed some exceedingly small holes. We noticed that the output transformer was starting to go bad (not uncommon), so we replaced it with a new one. The result is clear audio across the entire frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room.
This radio comes with Zenith's "Acoustic Adapter" movable speaker cover (aka the beehive) that acts a "tone balancer" to insure sharp, crisp, clear reproduction in any room. We did some minor repairs and gave it a fresh coat of gold glitter paint to match the original color.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our custom Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to switch between playing the radio or music from your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent and will give you the best of “digital” and “analogue” combined.
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............550 – 1700 KHz
Shortwave Band 1……………….1.7 – 5.8 MHz
Shortwave Band 2……………….5.5 – 18.5 MHz
History - This model first appeared in the fall of 1937 and sold into 1938 and was one of Zenith’s top-of-the-line radios with some nice showroom features. Particularly interesting is the triangular “Robot Dial,” a term which Zenith used on any radio with a break-away dial from 1938 through 1942. Today, collectors refer to these radios as “Shutter Dial” models, and this particular radio includes that as well as a motorized assist tuning mechanism that lets you spin the dial up and down the band.
The set has three bands: standard AM broadcast and two shortwave bands. The tuning dial is Zenith's signature aviation-style round black dial with a green “magic eye.” The radio has a tuned RF stage ahead of the converter tube. The audio power amplifier section uses two 6V6 tubes in a push-pull circuit—not a typical design—to drive the 12-inch electrodynamic speaker. The unique amplifier section has become today a sign of high-quality design.
Today, this attractive radio is sought after by collectors but almost never found restored to this near-perfect condition. We acquired this radio in early 2020 from a private owner—at that time, the chassis was not working, and its cabinet was in very bad shape with its original finish.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration and several upgrades. We stripped the original shellac and toned the top corners and bottom piping and footer with brown lacquer. All other wood got a simple (almost clear) maple stain. All of it was conditioned with grain filler and sander sealer. We then finished the entire cabinet with a flat matte catalyzed lacquer. This makes the original multi-colored veneers pop.
We fixed several abrasions that are now barely noticeable. We added a period correct Zenith reproduction grille cloth and retained the original control knobs. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish round black dial with its white and gold pointers is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. We overlooked no detail, including replacing the frequency indicators on each shutter leaf with new decals. The dial glass is free and clear of any chips, breaks, or cracks. The surrounding brass escutcheon has been cleaned and will keep its antique (but not worn) look well into the future.
Chassis – We took extra steps and worked with a top expert at the California Historical Radio Society to ensure this radio produces no hum and will last for another 80 years or more. For its age, there was no damage and only minimal, small spots of rust on the chassis. We cleaned the chassis exterior and added rust inhibitor or paint to stop future corrosion. We went through the entire underside of the chassis and replaced all the capacitors and checked and replaced resistors and wires where needed. We also removed the main tuning capacitor and cleaned and lubricated it and then replaced the main grommets that support it.
It now plays stations well across the dial with the simplest antenna. We checked and replaced where needed all tubes with new old stock tubes, including the green Magic Eye tuning tube. It is now bright and works well. We disassembled and lubricated the main tuning capacitor and flywheel tuning mechanism for smooth tuning operation. We replaced the tuning belt and the motor belt with new polyurethane ones that will last indefinitely. A new polarized power cord and power resistor and 1.5A fuse were installed for electrical safety. We checked the auxiliary RCA jack input on the back for the Bluetooth adapter and then performed a complete IF and RF alignment.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 12-inch speaker cleaned and fixed some exceedingly small holes. We noticed that the output transformer was starting to go bad (not uncommon), so we replaced it with a new one. The result is clear audio across the entire frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room.
This radio comes with Zenith's "Acoustic Adapter" movable speaker cover (aka the beehive) that acts a "tone balancer" to insure sharp, crisp, clear reproduction in any room. We did some minor repairs and gave it a fresh coat of gold glitter paint to match the original color.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our custom Bluetooth / MP3 adapter which allows you to switch between playing the radio or music from your smartphone or music device. Access your streaming audio service or the playlist on your smart device to provide classic tunes and bring the warm, bright, analogue sound to any music or recording you choose. The quality of the sound is excellent and will give you the best of “digital” and “analogue” combined.
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............550 – 1700 KHz
Shortwave Band 1……………….1.7 – 5.8 MHz
Shortwave Band 2……………….5.5 – 18.5 MHz