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1937 Zenith Model 6S229 Tombstone
This is 1937 Zenith "Long Distance" Model 6S229 Tombstone radio. This radio is commonly known
as the "Zenith Black Dial." It is a highly sought after radio because of its
unique design and good receiver sensitivity. The radio has 3 bands: Standard
Braodcast AM, shortwave from 1.8 to 5.5 MHz, and 5.6 to 18 MHz.
It also has a red pointer for the "split second" portion of the dial. The split second dial
is calibrated from 0 to 60 and is used as a fine tuning idicator, a type of
bandspread. One can note the position of the red pointer with relation of the
main pointer for pin pointing favorite stations. The main pointer is brass
and has the distinctive "Z" in the center. All knobs are wood and have the
"lightning bolt Z" carved into them.
The radio chassis was a mess when I received it. Below is a picture of the chassis on my workbench
before I cleaned it.

To repair this radio, I had to replace the filter capacitors and most all of the
other coupling and bypass capacitors. I also had to replace the audio output
transformer mounted on the speaker. I was able to purchase a replacement
transformer and mount in using the original copper-colored frame that mounted
the old defective transformer. Below is a picture of the back of the radio. You
can see the new transformer mounted to the speaker. This radio works well now.
The radio chassis is copper coated although this example has considerable rust on the chassis. I painted some of the larger rust places with copper paint. Below are pictures of the chassis after I cleaned and repaired it and re-installed in the radio.
The dial looks spectacular when the radio is on. Below is a picture of the dial when
the radio is on and the room darkened.
Tube Compliment |
Ballast |
Rectifier |
RF |
Osc |
Osc/Mix |
IF |
Det/AVC |
1st Audio |
Audio Output |
Tuning Eye |
Rider's Manual Page # |
N/A |
5Y4G |
N/A |
N/A |
6A8G |
6K7G |
6H6G |
6F5G |
6F6G |
N/A |
8-23 |