Customer Reviews

Zenith Radio, the Glory Years, 1936-1945: History and Products (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

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I have to start by saying I have been a collector of antique radios for over 25 years, so this book is right up my alley.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Harold Cones at a radio swap meet several years ago, and heard a talk about the research that went into this series of books on Zenith.

Zenith radios are some of the most collectable antique radios. From the radio made famous (and expensive) by the Walton's Television series, to the more common table radios, and the large console radios with the big black dials and funny green "Magic Eye" tubes. This is from an era where worldwide communication was not instantaneous, and television was but a dream.

These authors had the opportunity to go through the archives of the Zenith Radio company prior to its dissolution. Zenith was the last American radio and televison manufacturer. It was eventually purchased by LG Electronics of Hong Kong.

The radios of the mid to late thirties seems to be the culmination of both the woodworking art and the art of hand made electronics. This book focuses on the story behind the company and the people who designed and made the radios.

There are some beautiful photographs of many of the Zenith radios made during this period. Each photograph is accompanied by a rarity value and an estimated value range. The photography is exceptional.

In addition, the book has many reproductions of advertisements of the time, and many other documents that give insight to the company during this ten year period.

One section that I found very interesting was composed of several drawings of possible designs for radios that were never made. These were provided by the family of the designer (Mr Budlong), and I see these designs from the early 40's look like the designs of the late 50's and early 60's, indicating that he was way ahead of his time.

All in all, this is a great book for anyone who has ever had or still has a Zenith radio, or is just interested in the story of a great American company that has since faded into history.

This book is a first class production all the way, and is certain to delight any fan of Zenith radios. The high quality glossy stock supports the best reproduction of illustrations. The early B&W photos shine with stunning clarity, and the 160+ color photos (mostly of Martin Blankinship's superb collection) have a glorious fidelity and a level of detail seldom seen.

This is the second volume of a two book series and focuses on tube radios from 1936-1945. (The first volume is "Zenith Radio: The Early Years: 1919-1935.")

Zenith corporate history is well presented, complete with annual company reports and financial statements. Of particular interest to me were the several Zenith print ads from the era and the cabinet sketches from the engineering department of unrealized designs.

Fully worth the price of admission are 41 wonderful pages of color portraits of Zenith radios. Most of the 160+ photos have a caption listing the approximate value range of the model presented.

[Note: Although the Amazon description (12/09) refers to a "Database which is the most complete listing of Zenith products," the database is not included in this volume. (I assume it is in the earlier volume.) I personally would have loved to have tables in this book showing the models produced by year with some descriptive information and info on quantities produced. If needed to make room for this data, I personally could do without the chapter on Zenith hearing aids.]

Bottom line: This delightful volume presents glorious documentation of a bygone era. With a list price of $35 (2009) and superb printing, it is an amazing bargain. Anyone with an interest in the subject will marvel at the delights of this volume.

Tip: No value guide can account for all variables. However, if you are looking for a single-volume source of data and price information on Zenith and wide variety of other brands, I recommend the latest edition of "Collector's Guide to Antique Radios: Identification and Values."