Early 50's Zenith Console

CoachCarl44 · by **CoachCarl44** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 1:33 am

I have an early 50's, probably '51, phonograph/radio console. It has a model 1880R stamped on the back of the cabinet. It is in need of repair and I am not sure if the investment will pay off. Please give me some advise.

Thom · by **Thom** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:44 am

Define "pay off". Are you looking to sell it or enjoy it?

CoachCarl44 · by **CoachCarl44** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:59 pm

I would like to sell it to someone who will enjoy it.

Bobby Basham · by **Bobby Basham** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:03 am

I picked up, what I thought, was a big, square end table, but saw a "grille"in the front. This was one of those tall TV's with the phono/radio combo that slid out on a lower drawer. The top TV section was chopped and the lid was fastened to the lower part. I don't know if it's AM/Short Wave. Has the same cobra -matic turntable.

Alot of times, you can sell things "as is". Some of us love to restore things in that condition...it can be a challenge and learning experience.

Folks,what can we do to keep these things from going to the land fills? I'm guilty, getting rid of two consoles to go to the dump, I hate to part with anything...Should have gone to Salvation Army or Good Will. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Thom · by **Thom** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:28 pm

Yoy might try to sell it "as is" for $50.00 but if someone offers you $10.00 take the money & run. These things are a labor of love. They are restored by folks like us who love and revere the concept and craftsmanship that went into these back in the day. We know we can never recoup our investment in time & money but we don't care. We restore them to enjoy or for others to enjoy as there is little no money to be made in "flipping" them, for most of us. For the majority of people these are land fill fodder. For some they decide to restore without thinking of the committment it takes so it sits around torn to bits in the basement until the day it inevetibly get chucked, when the would-be restorer realizes he's in over his head. Anyone with decent mechanical/electrical skill can restore these. What is usually lacking is the commitment. You have a nice console there and it seem to be in very nice condition, certainly restorable. However your chances of breaking-even in time & money are slim. My advise is to restore it and then enjoy it. Throw a few records on it, sit back with a sniffer of brandy and your favorite pipe and tobacco and relax. It's good for the soul.