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Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
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  • Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
  • Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
  • Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
  • Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
  • Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable
Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable

Zenith Royal 500 Transistor Radio c.1950s Gold Mesh Grille Portable

$52.16

Annihilate the landfill, bring back the golden age of pocket-sized broadcasts

The Zenith Royal 500 — the radio that put transistors in shirt pockets and started a revolution. This is a mid-1950s example in that distinctive gold-tone case with the signature mesh speaker grille and flip-up carrying handle. She's showing her age honestly: visible patina and some oxidation on the gold finish, surface wear consistent with a well-loved daily companion. The original tuning wheels and controls are intact. Untested for function — sold as a display piece or restoration project.

The D'Beetle Difference • American Transistor Radio Pioneer: Zenith's Royal 500 series launched in 1955 as one of the first American-made transistor radios. This is genuine Chicago engineering from the golden age of portable electronics.

• Compact Pocket-Friendly Design: Measures approximately 4.5 inches tall by 3 inches wide. Features the iconic flip-up brass-tone handle and original thumb-wheel tuning controls.

• Display-Ready Patina: Gold mesh grille shows honest oxidation and wear. All badges, controls, and handle intact. Perfect for collectors or mid-century vignettes.

 

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