A 1938 Zenith Model 12-S-232, known as the "Waltons" radio because of its presence on the TV show.
It is a huge tombstone (18"W x 23.5"H) with 12 tubes, including a rare 6T5 cathode tuning magic eye indicator tube, using "target" tuning.
The "robot" dial includes a 3-position shifting shutter dial with motorized tuning.
The dial design has been credited to Kurt Emde - see the patent diagrams below.
Four versions were available; two different 7-tube chassis, a 9-tube chassis and a 12-tube chassis.
Only the 9 and 12-tube models had motorized tuning.
All models used an 8" electrodynamic speaker except the "J" model farm-set which used an 8" PM speaker.
They were expensive sets; the 7S232 sold for $84.95, the 7J232 went for $89.95, the 9S232 price was $94.95 and the 12S232 sold for $104.95.
The 12-S-232 was the 'Cadillac' of Zenith tabletops.
Click on the radio to hear "The Shadow" opening (double-click to pause/stop)
