Clocks & Music
Zenith 12-S-370 "Big Bertha" | 1939 Robot Dial Console Radio
Zenith 12-S-370 "Big Bertha" | 1939 Robot Dial Console Radio
A celebrated icon from Zenith’s golden age of radio design, this is the 1939 Zenith 12-tube model 12-S-370—known among collectors by its evocative nickname: “Big Bertha.” This model stands out not only as one of the largest and most visually commanding consoles Zenith ever produced, but also as one of the best-performing and most sought-after examples of pre-war American radio engineering.
Equipped with the legendary “Robot Shutter Dial” (a hallmark of Zenith's design innovation), this radio features the eye-catching motorized band shutter system and the original green tuning eye tube, both fully functional. The precision of the shutter dial and the dramatic illumination give the listener a true sense of interaction and mechanical marvel, enhanced by the silky-smooth action of the tuning mechanism and a beautifully operating white dial pointer and second indicator.
The fully restored 12-tube Superheterodyne chassis delivers deep, room-filling sound with remarkable clarity across the full tuning range. The electronics have undergone a comprehensive, professional restoration: all electrolytic and paper capacitors have been replaced with modern components for safety and performance, and a new dial belt was installed for precise tuning. The radio picks up both local and distant stations cleanly, with no hum or static. An auxiliary input jack has been added for modern convenience, allowing you to stream music from a smartphone or digital device through the original speaker system.
The cabinet is a striking example of late 1930s American Art Deco design, masterfully crafted with book-matched walnut veneers, vertical fluted pilasters, and sculptural curves. The finish has been painstakingly restored using toned lacquer and a period-appropriate high-gloss finish to match the original 1939 factory look. Original wood repairs were performed with precision, and the reproduction grille cloth replicates the authentic pattern found on this model. The classic Zenith "Black Dial" remains vivid and legible behind clean, clear original dial glass.
All four original factory knobs are present, along with the original “Wave Magnet” antenna and internal speaker. The cabinet’s unique design—with its sculptural lower grille bars—contributes not only to its visual grandeur but also enhances the resonance and warmth of its sound projection.
This is not just a radio—it's a museum-worthy showpiece of Machine Age craftsmanship, a marvel of early audio engineering, and one of the finest Zenith consoles ever produced.
