This unique looking Art Deco console radio with it four bands of “V” pattern Queensland Walnut is the 1939 Zenith 7S363. We spared no expense to restore it. The radio has a premium grade 7-tube chassis, and with its 10-inch speaker and is an incredible performer. The radio picks up many stations with the simplest antenna and the wood cabinet gives everything you play a deep, rich sound.
History - This model first appeared in the 1939 model year. This seven-tube, three-band radio is one of the most beautiful radios Zenith produced. This model has some nice showroom features.
The 7S363 embodied two Zenith innovations new for 1939. The first was the ‘Radiorgan’, comprising 6 pull-tabs to the right of the dial used for controlling tone, with 64 combinations possible (the remaining two tabs to the right of the dial are for on and off). The second new feature was ‘Transcontinental Tip-Touch Automatic Tuning’, allowing instant selection of one of six preset stations when the band-lever is in the 'automatic' position. Tip-Touch tuning is done electrically by switching in and out tuned circuits dedicated to each preset.
The chassis has a heavy flywheel mounted on the tuning shaft, giving the tuning knob a luxurious, heavy-duty feel. When the tuning knob is spun, the momentum of the flywheel keeps it spinning slightly. The chassis is colored in a gold hammertone finish and is remarkably deep, five inches, allowing for lot of component separation inside.
The tuning dial is Zenith’s signature aviation-style round black dial with a green “Magic Eye”. 1939 was Zenith's first year for push-button tuning and tone control and a more modern looking iconic Zenith black dial. The audio power amplifier section uses one 6F6, providing plenty of power to drive the 10-inch electrodynamic speaker.
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 2023 from the California Historical Radio Society. The cabinet was in good shape but had its original finish. The chassis was working but it needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. We stripped the original shellac and toned the top and side shoulders and the footer with an ebony lacquer. All the 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 lacquer. This makes the original multi-colored veneers pop.
We kept the original Zenith grille cloth and added manufacturer correct reproduction control knobs. No detail was overlooked including replacing the decals for the band switch indicator. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish black dial with its new white airplane propeller pointer is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. The dial glass is free & clear of any chips, breaks or cracks and we replaced the rubber gasket - which was dry cracked. The surrounding brass escutcheon has been cleaned and will keep its antique (but not worn) look well into the future. We kept the original (somewhat bent) dial pointer because no replacements were available.
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 replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed.
All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. The green ‘Magic Eye’ tuning tube was replaced with a new one, and it is 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 with a new polyurethane one that will last indefinitely. A new polarized power cord and power resistor and 1.5A fuse were installed for electrical safety. We added a switchable Auxiliary RCA jack input on the side for the Bluetooth /MP3 adapter then performed a complete IF and RF alignment. The radio now plays stations well across the dial with the simplest antenna.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 10 -inch speaker cleaned and reinforced at the outer rim. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our custom Retro Radio Restore 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.
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............550 – 1700 kHz
Shortwave Band………………….7.5 – 34.5 MHz
Medium Wave Band …………….2.0 – 7.5 MHz
Dimensions: 41-1/2"H x 26"W x 15"D
Weight: 40 pounds
See demo video here: youtu.be/QL_jXFghgIY
History - This model first appeared in the 1939 model year. This seven-tube, three-band radio is one of the most beautiful radios Zenith produced. This model has some nice showroom features.
The 7S363 embodied two Zenith innovations new for 1939. The first was the ‘Radiorgan’, comprising 6 pull-tabs to the right of the dial used for controlling tone, with 64 combinations possible (the remaining two tabs to the right of the dial are for on and off). The second new feature was ‘Transcontinental Tip-Touch Automatic Tuning’, allowing instant selection of one of six preset stations when the band-lever is in the 'automatic' position. Tip-Touch tuning is done electrically by switching in and out tuned circuits dedicated to each preset.
The chassis has a heavy flywheel mounted on the tuning shaft, giving the tuning knob a luxurious, heavy-duty feel. When the tuning knob is spun, the momentum of the flywheel keeps it spinning slightly. The chassis is colored in a gold hammertone finish and is remarkably deep, five inches, allowing for lot of component separation inside.
The tuning dial is Zenith’s signature aviation-style round black dial with a green “Magic Eye”. 1939 was Zenith's first year for push-button tuning and tone control and a more modern looking iconic Zenith black dial. The audio power amplifier section uses one 6F6, providing plenty of power to drive the 10-inch electrodynamic speaker.
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 2023 from the California Historical Radio Society. The cabinet was in good shape but had its original finish. The chassis was working but it needed a full restoration and upgrade.
Cabinet – The cabinet got a complete restoration. We stripped the original shellac and toned the top and side shoulders and the footer with an ebony lacquer. All the 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 lacquer. This makes the original multi-colored veneers pop.
We kept the original Zenith grille cloth and added manufacturer correct reproduction control knobs. No detail was overlooked including replacing the decals for the band switch indicator. The result is this handsome looking radio that will last many, many years into the future.
Dial – The very stylish black dial with its new white airplane propeller pointer is quite an impressive sight - especially in a dim or dark room. The dial glass is free & clear of any chips, breaks or cracks and we replaced the rubber gasket - which was dry cracked. The surrounding brass escutcheon has been cleaned and will keep its antique (but not worn) look well into the future. We kept the original (somewhat bent) dial pointer because no replacements were available.
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 replacing all the capacitors, checking, and replacing resistors and wires where needed.
All tubes were checked and replaced where needed with NOS (new old stock) tubes. The green ‘Magic Eye’ tuning tube was replaced with a new one, and it is 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 with a new polyurethane one that will last indefinitely. A new polarized power cord and power resistor and 1.5A fuse were installed for electrical safety. We added a switchable Auxiliary RCA jack input on the side for the Bluetooth /MP3 adapter then performed a complete IF and RF alignment. The radio now plays stations well across the dial with the simplest antenna.
Speaker – Even though it performed well, we had the all-original 10 -inch speaker cleaned and reinforced at the outer rim. The result is clear audio across the entire audio frequency range. This radio produces exceptional bass tones for its size and the great sound will fill the room. See link to demo on YouTube below.
Bluetooth - Additionally, this radio has been fitted with our custom Retro Radio Restore 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.
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Band Frequency Ranges:
AM Broadcast Band..............550 – 1700 kHz
Shortwave Band………………….7.5 – 34.5 MHz
Medium Wave Band …………….2.0 – 7.5 MHz
Dimensions: 41-1/2"H x 26"W x 15"D
Weight: 40 pounds
See demo video here: youtu.be/QL_jXFghgIY