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Zenith 5G403 (1940) "Universal" model portable Tube Radio in Beautiful Condition, Working

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  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
  • Authentic 1940 Zenith Model 5-G-403 portable AM tube radio in wood cabinet with iconic Wavemagnet antenna. Chassis 55371, serial T213155, original tubes. Classic pre-WWII Zenith portable—perfect for collectors, restoration, or retro display. Excellent example of early Universal portable radio technology!
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Description

Zenith 5G403 (1940) "Universal" model portable Tube Radio in Beautiful Condition, Working

Model: Zenith 5-G-403 (5G403) Portable AM Radio, 1940. This is a rare variant in the early "Universal" portable series (AC/DC or battery powered). Chassis 5537, and tube complement 1A7G, 1H5G, 1A5G, 1N5G, 117Z6/G. It features the famous Zenith Wavemagnet rotatable loop antenna in the lid.
 
 This beautiful example is in original condition and has the original finish. Some capacitors under the chassis have been replaced so it has some level of service done.
 
Lightening bolt "Z" knobs are original as is the carrying handle. Two holes in front of cabinet were for an optional (and now impossible to find) accessory Zenith headphone set, making this the first "walkman!" 11-3/4"W x 11"H x 8-1/2"D.
 
The suction cups on the wave magnet antenna are dried out but intact.
 
 I did power it up and it does receive my local AM stations.
 
This AM Radio, is a scarce and highly collectible Zenith 5G403 (1940) portable tube radio! This "Universal" model runs on AC house current or batteries and features the legendary Zenith Wavemagnet rotatable loop antenna for outstanding AM reception. Serial number T213155 on the back plate, chassis 55371, with correct tube lineup (1A7G, 1H5G, 1A5G, 1N5G, 117Z6/G) and original tube chart 102-81R.Beautiful wood cabinet with carrying handle—great patina and solid construction typical of Zenith quality. The lid opens to access the Wavemagnet and chassis. A fantastic piece of radio history and precursor to the Trans-Oceanic series. Ready for servicing (standard recap recommended) or enjoyment as-is. Perfect addition to any vintage radio collection or mid-century decor.
 
Information
  • Era & Design: Pre-WWII (1940 model year), wood cabinet with carrying handle, protective front grille area, and practical portable design. One of Zenith’s early successful battery/AC portables that helped lead to the iconic Trans-Oceanic line.
  • Features: AM broadcast band only, 5-tube superheterodyne circuit, Wavemagnet antenna for strong reception, built tough for travel or home use.
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