UBB Store

Beautiful 1938 ZENITH Antique Tube Radio - Nice Figured Veneers - AM & SW Bands
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Beautiful 1938 ZENITH Antique Tube Radio - Nice Figured Veneers - AM & SW Bands
Price: US $378.00

~ CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE RADIO RESTORATION! ~

Offering unique tube radios for Top Shelf display, so be sure to add me to your favorites list!favorites list!

TheRadio-Cafeprovides the customer with theBest Possible Service

  • FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTYELECTRONIC/MECHANICAL/PARTS WARRANTY IN WRITING(top shelf craftsmanship and parts are guaranteed!)
  • QUALITY DETAILED PHOTOSOF THE COMPLETE RESTORATION(I showclear photosof the speaker,chassis, & electronics work. No oldphonydazeintentionalobscuring at the Radio-Cafe)
  • ALL NATURALBAKELITE POLISHING(no enhancers,coatings,or car polish glam job)
  • 30 YEARSOF ANTIQUE WOOD & BAKELITE RESTORATION EXPERIENCE(long before was around)
  • CUSTOM MOLDING DEPT.WITH OVER 500 DIFFERENT DIAL LENSES IN STOCK
  • COMPLETE FABRICATION SHOPALL RESTORATION WORK IS DONE BY HAND(no cnc or laser cut)
  • STRICT RESTORATION STANDARDSRESULTING INTOP SHELF SETSFOR THEDISCERNINGRADIO COLLECTOR!
  • EXTENSIVE PHOTO GALLERYOF OVER 1000 DIFFERENT RADIO MODELS OF MY WORK, SAVED ON FILE SINCE THE 1990\'s!
  • SPECIALIZINGIN FINDING RARE TUBE RADIO SETS TO OFFER TO SERIOUS COLLECTORS AND MUSEUMS ALIKE!
  • AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE RESTORATIONI BELIEVE AN ANTIQUE SHOULD STILL LOOK LIKE ONE AFTER RESTORATION,WHICH IN TURN RETAINS THE TRUE ANTIQUE APPRAISAL VALUE!(no modern ipod/bluetooth added which only devalues the antique piece)


~ 1938 ZENITH Pre War TUBE RADIO MODEL 5S320 ~

The Radio-Cafe is pleased to offer this classic 1938 tube radio set by Zenith, Model 5-S-320, in beautifully restored condition ready to be displayed and played! Unlike the more common Zenith model 5S319 that can be found about any given week on , the 5S320 is much harder to come by, and personally speaking I think is much nicer. It uses the same 5 tube chassis incorporating both AM and SW (shortwave) bands as well as the same oval dial and facade in front, but that\'s where the similarities end. This cabinet design has a more lower profile and with very cool front/left wraparound louvers, as well as gorgeous highly figured walnut veneers throughout.

When I got this set it had a partial restoration by someone previously so it was in need a full restoration. The cabinet was previously refinished by another owner in what appears to be a hand rubbed tung oil finish, which I\'ve enjoyed using myself. As a refinisher myself, it\'s obvious the old top coat was very carefully stripped, so that much of the original patina is still intact, which of course adds to the antique appearance.Over the last 30 years I\'ve refinished radio cabinets and antique Victorian furniture using hand rubbed lacquer,antique oil,satin,and hand rubbed tung oil. What I like about the tung oil is the glow it gives the wood and a more natural antique appearance, rather than a newly refinished look. The one downside is it takes a long time which is why most refinishers don\'t use tung oil as much anymore. If you prefer a more natural authentic antique look over the super gloss new finish look, then you should be very pleased with this example. (The pics don\'t do it justice... it looks much nicer in person!).

The condition of this cabinet is very good with just a few minor age marks here and there but no missing veneer,chips or cracks and it displays beautifully as you can see. Many of the 5S320 cabs I\'ve seen have more plain veneers in front and on top and not highly figured like this one has. The top of this one only had a very thin top coat so I polished it smooth then hand rubbed a couple more layers of tung oil then polished again and now it really glows!

I went through the chassis and restored it using the best quality capacitors and a full set of NOS vacuum tubes. The cord and plug was also replaced as well as a long 10ft antenna wire added for better reception. I also fabricated a nice heavy duty backing out of masonite with top vent slots and a custom zenith label as well. The reception is very good on both bands as well as the volume from the large original side mounted speaker. Four front knobs from left to right: on/off volume, tone switch, tuning, and 3-way band switch (click left is auto when using the pushbuttons,middle is AM (broadcast), and right is SW (shortwave). Last night I was pulling in around 7 SW signals and it\'s very sensitive so I\'m sure more can be found with some fine tuning depending on your location. During the day up north here were lucky to get even one AM station, but about 10 or more at night. (keep in mind because of the Ionosphere disturbance by the sun, AM stations always come in better at night).

If you\'re more of a purist antique collector who prefers authentic restorations that retain greater antique appraisal value, then we have something in common and I appreciate your business.

As always, this restored antique will be carefully packed,double boxed, and comes with a full one year electronics warranty in writing. Thanks for looking and God Bless!

-J Waters of the Radio-Cafe

~ RESTORATION DETAILS ~

  • EXTERNAL 10FT WIRE ANTENNA ADDED
  • ALL VACUUM TUBES REPLACED WITH NOS TUBES
  • RESISTORS REPLACED AS NEEDED
  • GRIPPER PADS ADDED TO THE BOTTOM
  • CLEAN RUST FREE CHASSIS (just a few minor surface spots on the back)
  • CRYSTAL CLEAR DOMED GLASS DIAL LENS
  • TWO NEW PILOT LAMPS INSTALLED (looks great lit up!)
  • ALL CAPACITORS REPLACED WITH TOP GRADE CAPS
  • CHASSIS AND ALL MOVING PARTS CLEANED & LUBRICATED
  • CUSTOM HEAVY DUTY BACKING ADDED WITH ZENITH LABEL
  • ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND ADJUSTED
  • AUDIO TESTED FOR A MINIMUM 48 HRS
  • RADIO MEASURES APPROX: 16\" WIDE X 9\"TALL X 8\" DEEP
  • FULL 1 YEAR ELECTRONICSWARRANTYINCLUDED IN WRITING
  • * * WILL SHIP TO THE UNITED STATES ONLY * *


~ CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS ~

  • Absolutely stunning radio, museum quality restoration. A+ packing, great emails.
  • Beautiful restoration! Item arrived as advertised. This seller is the real deal!
  • Not just the best radio restorer on bar none, his work is TRUE ARTISTRY!!!!
  • THE BEST RADIO SERVICE IN THE WORLD! my 4th radio purchase! thanks jer!!!
  • Beautiful doesn\'t do your craftsmanship justice,exquisite is better. arrived safe
  • Wonderful & expertly restored radio. Couldn\'t be happier. Professional Seller
  • your are a CLASS ACT!!! Thanks Again & Best Regards, Stuart
  • I thought craftsmen like this were extinct. This guy has proven me wrong! Thanks
  • Kudosfor the job you did in restoring this Emerson set and the care in packing.
  • You are truly caring, caring beyond belief;one of my best transactions. Thanks much,Robert
  • Absolutely beautiful- I LOVE IT-wonderful transaction-super fast mail-out -A+++
  • Great product! Great service! No better seller anywhere!!! Thank you!
  • Bendix arrived safe and sound due to your EXPERT PACKING the radio is MINTY
  • *****Awesome seller and a real gentlemen. Very highly recommended*****
  • Two thumbs up! One of the very best on ! Many thanks!
  • The best wrapped radio I have ever received. Love the radio!!!! Thanks DDB

Keep in mind, this antique vacuum tube radio is not a boom box,solid state radio,or any other modern type radio. It uses vacuum tube technology which can produce audio interference caused by many different things such as florescent lighting, energy saving bulbs,kitchen appliances,etc,etc... so placement of the radio is very important to avoid any possible audio interference. And like many other electronic devices,.. when not in use the radio should be unplugged to prevent any damage during electrical storms.

TheRadio-Cafeis a proud supporter of our troops serving around the globe, and a proud supporter of theWounded Warrior Project & Salvation Army.Freedom is not free!... thanks to all of our Troops!

~ Thanks for looking and God Bless! ~



Buy Now

Related Items