It’s great to see these photos, thanks so much. I’ve been comparing your sn 00046 with my 00016 and 00491. The #16 and #46 have very light engraved serial numbers, later 500’s were engraved more deeply. 16 and 46 have no battery cover label, 491 does. All three have both code 53 and 54 transistors confirming what Bob McG said about these round top black Sylvania being the earliest that Zenith used. I agree with him that 53 means the third month of 1955. #16 has no 50 uf cap next to the volume pot, 46 and 491 have it. #46 has a single disc cap nest to the transformer, 16 and 491 have a double disc (in parallel).
I wonder if 16 and 46 are pre-production or serial numbered because they are from the first day of regular production.
I also wonder if we’ll ever see a single digit Royal 500.
Thanks again for these great photos!
I’m realling enjoying and appreciating your web site. I picked up my first Model 500 today, and have been doing some “investigating”. The back case label says the chassis is a 7ZT. However, in looking around, I’m thinking this is not matching the metal hand wired chassis itself, which I would not this is uncommon. The circuit layout itself on the label does not match the actual circuit. The circuit is most close to your prototype model. There are 6 black Sylvania tranistors. One is a 54 top marked 2N 35. There appear to be a total of four 2N35’s. The other 2 can’t be seen. The Tuner is stamped 56, with a model number of 22-2273. The transformer is in the same lower right position as the prototype layout. There is one 121-51 transitor metal cap in I guess the Osc position.
Serial number window – smooth — ! thanks for the site –
Phil, I agree, but my guess is that all of the first ones made went to Zenith employees and they are now in the hands of former Zenith Employees families who probably do not realize the importance or value of them.
It’s great to see these photos, thanks so much. I’ve been comparing your sn 00046 with my 00016 and 00491. The #16 and #46 have very light engraved serial numbers, later 500’s were engraved more deeply. 16 and 46 have no battery cover label, 491 does. All three have both code 53 and 54 transistors confirming what Bob McG said about these round top black Sylvania being the earliest that Zenith used. I agree with him that 53 means the third month of 1955. #16 has no 50 uf cap next to the volume pot, 46 and 491 have it. #46 has a single disc cap nest to the transformer, 16 and 491 have a double disc (in parallel).
I wonder if 16 and 46 are pre-production or serial numbered because they are from the first day of regular production.
I also wonder if we’ll ever see a single digit Royal 500.
Thanks again for these great photos!
I’m realling enjoying and appreciating your web site. I picked up my first Model 500 today, and have been doing some “investigating”. The back case label says the chassis is a 7ZT. However, in looking around, I’m thinking this is not matching the metal hand wired chassis itself, which I would not this is uncommon. The circuit layout itself on the label does not match the actual circuit. The circuit is most close to your prototype model. There are 6 black Sylvania tranistors. One is a 54 top marked 2N 35. There appear to be a total of four 2N35’s. The other 2 can’t be seen. The Tuner is stamped 56, with a model number of 22-2273. The transformer is in the same lower right position as the prototype layout. There is one 121-51 transitor metal cap in I guess the Osc position.
Serial number window – smooth — ! thanks for the site –
It sure would be nice to hear from the owners of any serial numbers below 00100.
Phil, I agree, but my guess is that all of the first ones made went to Zenith employees and they are now in the hands of former Zenith Employees families who probably do not realize the importance or value of them.