Zenith Model H511 Antique Bakelite Tube Radio From 1951 Fine Restored Example
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:45082737 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
| Time Period Manufactured: 1950-59 | Brand: Zenith |
MODEL, YEAR, FEATURES: I was lucky enough to find a fine example of Zenith’s 1951 Consoltone radio, and recently restored it. The Model H511 was a popular one in the early 50’s and can be spotted a block away with its brilliant brass center piece in the shape of an oval racetrack. Rounded bullet shape, crescent dial, and brass trim beautifully accent the polished Bakelite cabinet. A pilot lamp is located behind the central Zenith crest, and lights up the “Z” nicely as... seen in photos. I went through the electronics on this set to ensure reliability and radio is working well. Controls are simple Volume and Tuning, reception is excellent on this five tube set, and photos will represent it well. CONDITION, SERVICING, PERFORMANCE: Bakelite cabinet is in excellent condition without a nick, crack, scratch or mar; it’s been detailed and displays with a high luster. Crescent dial scale has well defined graphics and numerals, and the red dial pointer rotates smoothly around it. The electronics were gone through with a multitude of checks; all the old wax / foil capacitors were replaced with reliable new ones along with the filters and the power switch was rewired to work safely with a new polarized power cord. Tuner mechanics were lubed, dial was restrung, and tuner grommets were replaced as well. Radio was aligned and played on and off for days without trouble. The 5 tube chassis is clean without dust build-up, controls function as they should. The radio pulls in all our AM stations with ease with its built in loop antenna with no need for an external aerial. The original speaker provides good fidelity for listening without hum or distortion. The five tubes are commonly found to this day if one is ever needed, and are easily accessed. No odors from tobacco, etc, the set has its original knobs & fasteners, tube layout sticker is intact on the bottom and the original backboard / loop antenna is in exc. condition and firmly fastened. DIMENSIONS, SHIPPING: Cabinet measures 13.9 inches wide, stands 7 in. tall, and is 7.2 in. deep; old 6.5 Oz Coke bottle placed in one photo to give a sense of scale and to show show reflective Bakelite surfaces. I’ve shipped well over a thousand delicate tube radios for the past 21 years on eBay with fine packing materials and methods. Zenith radio will be sent off on the day or day after payment is received.
