Zenith Build Dates

[tlavergne]

Is there a data base somewhere that I can find out the year my Zenith H845 radio was built?
Thanks,
Tom

[radiotvnut]

The best thing to do is look for date codes on items like the speaker, the filter cap, any original paper caps under the chassis, and on any original Zenith tubes that may remain.

[tlavergne]

Thanks...I will look at those spots.

[Tom Bavis]

Date codes will sometimes be coded like this: 328526. First three digits are the manufacturer - 328 is Utah (speakers). 526 is year (1955 or 65) and week (week26 - end of June). Some dated by quarter - so only used week codes 13, 26, 39, and 52.

[tlavergne]

Stamped into the chassis is 2412297, which I assume is the serial number. Printed on the large speaker is, Zenith and 49CZ883 and 343320. That's all I could find in the radio that wasn't just a part number. Nothing on the tubes, which are all Zenith except for one GE, to indicate a year. So from what you said, Tom, I would assume that the 343 is the speaker manufacturer and the 320 is the year 1953 or 1963 and week 20.

[Tom Bavis]

343 is the code for Zenith Radio. Since the Sams Photofact folder for the 845 is dated 1964, I think we can rule out 1953...

I have the schematic if you need it.

[tlavergne]

Tom,
The schematic would be great...many thanks.

[Tom Bavis]

email for a scan tbavis(at)rochester(dot)rr(dot)com

[jeffsod]

I had one of these and seem to recall finding a date stamped inside somewhere on the case but I maybe confusing that with another set too. But I am almost positive that mine was made in 1960. Not sure how many years they made the 845 but mine was the same as you described in your other post.