Zenith Model 7S529 Table Radio

Zenith Model 7S529 Table Radio, 7A02 Chassis

This especially attractive model from 1941 features reception of the AM broadcast band and two shortwave bands. This table model features a wooden cabinet with decorative cutouts for the speaker and cooling of the 7 vacuum tubes that support its superheterodyne circuit. The rear panel, unlike many antique radios, is present and in nice condition.

Our example, located in the Mayes Building, is housed in a nearly flawless cabinet which sports a lustrous finish. The “Automatic” name, which is found on the dial, likely refers to the 5 station presets (buttons at the bottom of the radio) and the 6 fidelity settings that are chosen with the 6 push buttons that flank either side of the large black dial.

The radio station call letters on the 5 push buttons tell an interesting tale. In 1941, when this radio was manufactured, every one of these stations was located in Illinois. All except WMRO were in Chicago. WMRO was in Aurora. That station changed its call sign around 1963. In 1993 the old call was taken by a station in Tennessee. So, it appears to be nearly certain that these station labels go back to the 1940’s when the radio was produced. Curiously, the letters appear to be white and fresh, not faded or yellowed. Did a restorer switch the old labels for new ones? We do not know! One thing that is very likely, this radio was purchased by a resident of Illinois.

Valued at $110 in 1993. Current values (2025) are inconsistent.

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