1950's Zenith B/W Console In Chicago On The Bay

[Jeffhs]

Originally Posted by Rental Limo

Looks like a nice set with a low starting bid of $4.99. The auction did not mention if the set worked, but it looks to be pretty whole to me. Sellers daughter wants to get rid of the set because it does not match the furnishings. What a laugh!!


http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-ZENITH-b...3286.m14.l1318

That Zenith looks like it will make an excellent addition to someone's collection. These sets were made when "Zenith" still meant The Zenith Radio Corporation of Chicago, and the sets were hand wired on metal chassis. This set was also made with high-fidelity sound in mind, as there are two speakers in the cabinet; it would not surprise me if the audio stages are built for premium sound as well. Years ago, I had a Zenith K2739 23" console (1963 vintage) that had a 6BN6/6BQ5 audio stage, a 6x9 oval speaker in the cabinet, and a tone control (don't know if it was a "true" tone control or just the type that cut down the highs); my set sounded excellent (and had a great picture) the short time I had it. That Zenith on eBay seems like it has a sound system at least as good as (or probably better than) the K2739, with a picture to match.

Seeing TVs, stereos, console radios, etc. on eBay with the notation in the description that "I am selling because it doesn't match my furniture", or similar wording, is not uncommon. Wasteful as all get-out, I know, but there are people who don't appreciate quality in a brand such as the former Zenith.

The claim that the set's cabinet does not match the owner's furnishings isn't as outlandish as it may sound, either. Today's furniture is made of plastic, resin, cheap wood, etc. and doesn't look anywhere nearly as nice as the old solid-wood furniture which was popular 40-50+ years ago. There are exceptions, however; you can get real wood furniture at stores such as Value City, Kronheims, et al. but you wind up paying a premium price for this quality. Most young people just starting out do not have much money, so they get the cheapest stuff they can find for their first home or apartment; that or they get their furniture at second-hand shops, garage sales and the like.

Most people don't bother with big, heavy console TVs, stereos, etc. these days, which is why so many of these consoles are showing up on eBay, CL, etc. being replaced by smaller and more modern sets (read flat-panel HDs) like Thomson/RCA's, LG/Zeniths, et al.--people are downsizing for moves to a smaller home or an apartment, or just plain don't like the looks of such an old TV (they may think it's a goshawful eyesore amid all their new furniture, the set's solid-wood cabinet notwithstanding). They will use it as long as it works, but as soon as it goes bad, no matter the problem (even if it's as simple as a bad tube), out to the curb it goes; that or else it is relegated to the basement, attic, garage, etc. and forgotten, waiting to be rescued by antique-electronics collectors such as those of us here at AK.

Too bad, but as former CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite always ended the broadcast, that's the way it is. So true, especially now, in the 21st century.