The Early Zenith Radios: The Battery Powered Table Sets 1922-1927

An illustrated look at the tabletop battery radios built by Zenith from 1922 to 1927.

Zenith was a Chicago-based radio manufacturer, and each tabletop battery radio they made between 1922 and 1927 is featured here and described in detail. Included are comprehensive functional descriptions on each set's operation, which uses color-coded diagrams to aid in describing the circuits. Over 400 color photos and over 200 diagrams illustrate the thorough text.

Each radio section includes a Quick Reference Guide. Previously unpublished information related to these radios is included for the first time. The restoration section covers the reproduction of vital replacement parts (pointers, pulleys, etc.) that typically need replacing, the repair of other parts (variable capacitor, transformers, etc.), appropriate modifications (battery adapter, etc.), and testing in order to get that early radio working. The techniques presented can be applied to the restoration of any 1920s radio.

Also included are instructions on reproducing any battery (“A”, “B”, or “C”) in radios built in the 1920s. This is an indispensable reference guide to early Zenith radios.

Retired from the aerospace industry, Gilbert has been collecting and restoring antique radios for 35 years. His primary collection consists of Zenith radios from the 1920s. He also collects literature and memorabilia associated with the radios and is a student of the history of the Zenith Radio Corporation.