Zenith Model 8S563 Console Radio

Zenith Model 8S563 Console Radio, 8A02 Chassis

This attractive console superheterodyne radio was manufactured in 1940. It features 8 vacuum tubes. The radio receives the regular AM broadcast band and two shortwave bands. To the left side of the dial are 6 buttons that control the fidelity of voice and music programs. The 6 push buttons on the right are used to save up to 6 station memories. Our radio has the following stations identified on the memory buttons: WEEI (Boston), WPRO (Providence), and WBZ (Boston). The presets confirm that the radio was most likely purchased by a New England family. The radio has a central dial with a large steering wheel type ring around it. The ring was used to change the band (AM or one of two shortwave bands). The central knob with a ‘Z’ on it would be used to turn the radio on and off and to adjust the volume.

The cabinet of the radio is in especially nice condition. It appears to be made from an ordinary sort of wood that has been covered with a simulated wood finish. The faux finish, often called a “photo finish”, was usually a pattern printed on wallpaper that was then applied to the inexpensive base wood that the radio cabinet was made of. There is also some speculation that these finishes were also applied wet as a decal.

Looking at the rear view of the radio, you will notice a large cardboard box on the left side. This contains the antenna which Zenith called the Rotor Wavemagnet. The antenna can be rotated by hand so as to  increase the reception strength of a station. To the right of the antenna you can see the large 10” speaker. The 8S563 was sold for $80 in 1940. Radios from this era are plentiful because many people bought them in anticipation of the upcoming war.

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