The first generation Royal 50 was introduced in 1960 at $29.95. Zenith made their first shirt pocket sized radio a real winner. Everything about them was built with quality. They easily outperform imported shirt pocket sets. Their maximum output is an impressive 135 milliwatts and their tone quality is nice and rich sounding also.
These can be found in a variety of colors including black, white, tan, charcoal brown and red (pictured above). Red and white seem to be the scarcest. Most of these radios are two-tone with a white back except the black ones which have a black back as shown above.
Fact Sheet
| Radio: | Royal 50 |
| Year introduced: | 1960 |
| Cost New: | $29.95 |
| Colors: | Black, Charcoal, White, Red, Tan |
| Dimensions: | 4.25″ H, 2.5″ W, 1.25″ D |
| Weight: | 8 ounces |
| # of Transistors: | 6 |
| Powered by: | 2 AA batteries |
| Undistorted output: | 80 Milliwatts |
Rare dealer display promoting all 5 colors of the new Zenith Royal 50 shirt pocket sized radio: Black, Red, White, Tan, and Charcoal
See it in motion here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t80OUyKWMR4
Hi Gary,
I have an old zenith 50 in red and tan and it still works. Any idea what it would be worth today?
Thanks
I have a Zenith 50 black/black transistor. What is is worth today??
Hi William, value is based on condition. If you want to send me some pictures, that would help and I would willing to check them out for you and give you my opinion. Also, is it working and pulling stations or does it need repair? That really matters too. You can send pictures to me at ballgandc@hotmail.com. Gary
Do you still have this radio? If so is it for sale? Thanks. Rick.
Hi Rick, I do not have it, but there is one like it currently listed on ebay. Good Luck, Gary
I have a tan one. It works good but not a lot of volume. It has the oblong transistors, germanium maybe. I worked on one that had a cracked run on the circuit card and it had a ton of power.
Hi Terry. I love the Royal 50. When right, they are great performers. Thanks for sharing. Gary
Hi Gary
Norman here from Toronto. I have from you still The roayal 50 series of radios in my collection still.
It does work but I don,t use it so i have it on display with many other radios I have collected throughout the years.
I am looking all the time for an Am Fm transistor radio that palys well on all bands Sw if posible to.
I like sensitive types that pick up with good reception. No volume crackling like some I have. it,s annoying these crackling volumes. I sometimes spray with a cleaner whether that helps i don,,t know.
let me know. Bye. Norman. radioman…