Zenith G724 AM/FM Bakelite Radio (1950)

This handsome Zenith still sports a store sticker on top, stating "Only Zenith has the SUPER SENSITIVE Zenith-Armstrong FM." On the back is a prominent notice declaring that the FM receiver technology was licensed under Armstrong patents.

With triangular dial and brass-trimmed knobs and handle, this radio has a very elegant appearance. Unlike many sets, the pilot light uses a neon bulb, which casts a soft orange glow over the patterned brass dial

The audio quality of this medium-sized tabletop is truly outstanding. Although you can't see it in this photo, there's a small tone control knob on the right side of the cabinet, near the top.

Those familiar with radio history will remember Major Edwin Armstrong's pioneering achievements and the bitter struggles he underwent to receive credit for his inventions. At least this model gave him the credit he deserved. The book Empire of the Air is an entertaining history of early radio, chronicling the careers of Armstrong, de Forest, and Sarnoff.

The June, 1995 issue of Antique Radio Classified magazine had an interesting article about the Zenith Model 7H822, a lookalike to this but two years earlier and minus the handle on top.

A fellow collector had a Model 78H22 missing the Zenith crest emblem on the front, and wanted help in fabricating a new one. I mailed him an impression of this crest done in Sculpey modeling compound, which hardens in a 200-degree oven. As a return favor, he cast an extra crest in metal and mailed it back to me. One of these days, I'll try plating the crest using a brass-plating kit that I ordered from Antique Electronic Supply a while back. Here's an actual size view of the crest for anyone who's interested.

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