1939 Zenith 6D-311 with it's box

[decojoe67]

A friend gave me a good deal on this 1939 Zenith bakelite 6D-311 with the original box and instruction sheet. I bought it only by a photo and thought it was a brown model. When I got it I saw that it was a white painted model that someone stripped, yet left the white interior and original back. As expected, the bakelite color was black. I decided to repaint the set ivory. It had been completely recapped and plays like new. The chassis is like new too. I can only assume that the original paint on the top of the set was really bad and someone just decided to have an ebony model. I have the 6D-315 "Wavemagnet" with the rear gold extension, in brown bakelite, so this is a nice addition. These are Zenith's first bakelite sets and a very good example of streamline-modern design.

[Electronic M]

It looks nice.

I tend to strip Bakelite before a repaint, and often I find the Bakelite below the original paint looks better than most surviving factory non-painted examples and opt not to repaint.

[decojoe67]

Thank you. Yes, it actually looked very nice in ebony bakelite. Since I was absolutely sure it was once ivory, I wanted it as original. I have a brown model so I thought would be a nice addition. You really can't beat unpainted plastic set. Paint chips, discolors, and wears!

[vortalexfan]

I'm seeing a theme with you... It seems you like radios from 1939, seeing as most of the radios in your collection are from 1939.

[decojoe67]

Originally Posted by vortalexfan

I'm seeing a theme with you... It seems you like radios from 1939, seeing as most of the radios in your collection are from 1939.

For years I've bought what comes my way. Very few times have I searched for a particular set. The trend lately is radios from '39 and with their original boxes. Those are from a specific collector I know. Another example is that I've gotten 3 DeWald radios in the past few months! It all simply coincidence.