Picked this up in a trade

From 1937, a Zenith Zephyr, Model 6S157

Very nice!

She goes into the shop tomorrow for a thorough tune up. I only powered it up for a few seconds to see if the dial lit up.

Unique design. I like it.

Unique design. I like it.

I do too. A simple yet elegant art deco design.

And the dial is really nice.

This model is supposedly fairly uncommon. First one I've ever seen.

Nice cabinet. I'm not impressed with the chassis. I have an 8 tube chassis with shadowmeter that would fit just fine. One of the tubes is an RF amp.

Just a 5 tuber. Not as complicated as my 18 tube Sparton, that's for sure. I think they made a 9 tube version of this radio, as well.

A beauty! I love trade deals like that.

They made a 6 tube, eight tube with single-ended output and a 10 tube push/pull set. Both the eight and the 10 had the "bulls eye" shadowmeter.

What's the "split second" dial scale for?

What's the "split second" dial scale for?

There are two pointers on the dial. One pointer moves much slower than the other. Like a fine tuning scale or something. I'm not sure.

You are correct, sir.

I just dropped it off with my "antique radio guy". I should have it back in a week or so, all spec'd up and out, and ready to play.

You WILL need either a long wire outside antenna or an amplified indoor antenna. My 7S363 is essentially the same as your Zephyr. It just has an "tuning eye" tube,

There are two pointers on the dial. One pointer moves much slower than the other. Like a fine tuning scale or something. I'm not sure.

I think you are right. the one Zenith I have with one I dont use it because I have to turn that knob a little before it starts moving the dial, then it does the same thing if I go the other direction. Maybe somethings worn out or I missed something, It doesnt matter anymore and I didnt need it anyway.

Its hard to beat a black dial Zenith for looks.

Radio guys have the coolest, best-looking toys.

Wow, very nice- is this cabinet already restored or in original condition?

I believe it is original. I'm not doing anything to the finish, except maybe some paste wax or a light polish.

I'm totally with you. An original finish should be kept as long as possible especially if it's in such a great condition like your set.

They don't have to be perfect. I give them the 5 foot test. If they look great at 5 feet, that's good enough. This one looks good well under my test distance. :)


Another radio I posted about the other day, the Zenith 10S-160 is a refinish. But it looks good, and I doubt I'll ever part with it, so it doesn't matter to me. It passes my test.


The Philco 116X I have posted is all original. and I will not mess with the finish at all.


I am next to worthless at refinishing anything more complicated than a bookcase. So I try to stay away from basket case cabinets as much as possible. I did buy an RCA C11-3 for $20 that I probably shouldn't have. No tubes, and the cabinet is pretty hagged. I'll probably take it to the local radio club swap meet in August, and dump it. It's way more than I can handle, cabinetwise.