G-500 - The Transitional Trans-Oceanic

1949-1951 Zenith Trans-Oceanic Model G-500, sometimes called the "Transition Model." It is the rarest Trans-Oceanic model, and considered by many as the most attractive Trans-Oceanic. Parts from two G-500 radios and two 8G005 radios were used in the restoration of this radio.

[@dannygaines1352]

I had one. Got in 1976 with the original papers and antennas. Sold it to an antique dealer in South Haven Michigan in 1980.

[@maryrafuse3851]

I have a mint H-500 which I treasure for its look and historical value. I can Imagine US boaters visiting Canada's Maritime Provinces with the G-500 & H-500 on board. Certainly most Atlantic Canadians, at the time, could not afford these radio's. Also Zenith had very poor distribution in Canada unlike Dutch Philips and German Grundig. Hi to all the Radio People reading this. God bless.

[@morrised2006]

In 1950/51, the G500 and new H500 sold for US $100, equivalent to about $1170 in 2023. The Zenith Trans-Oceanic was a rich man's toy at the time. Today people plunk down that much for a high end smart phone or tablet, that won't come close to lasting as long as many of these Zenith radios have, though.

[@maryrafuse2297]

Agreed! @@morrised2006

[@michaelreece458]

Great video, beautiful radios. I'm planning to order one of your battery packs for my G500 soon.

[@morrised2006]

Thanks for the comment. You will like your G500 on battery power, especially if you can get away from sources of RFI.

[@MultiPetercool]

I restored a G500 about 20 years ago. I regret selling it.

[@morrised2006]

Time to pick up another one!😁

[@grahamcostello4462]

Still listening to my late fathers G-500 which he bought in the Kuwait oilfields from an Americia,,,n

[@morrised2006]

Great way to remember your Dad.

[@grahamcostello4462]

@@morrised2006 Thank you I have a black and white photo of him sitting listening to it when he was 47 I'm now 52 I trained as a Audio Engineer to me its priceless

[@brendanb1541]

Nice video, I just bought one that Tom Johnson restored.

[@morrised2006]

Thanks! The G500 is a beautiful radio. Enjoy.

[@garymckee8857]

It's sad that quality products are not made in the United States anymore.

[@morrised2006]

True. Thankfully collectors and restorers are preserving a bit of our manufacturing heritage.

[@imariorivera]

Use and discard next day it’s the new thing

[@haydenperrine854]

I had 3 different modles when I was a kid, left for USMC @ 18y and mom took them to the thrift shop. I now have a G500 [ser. #104111, your's is 104073] (not working, but looks great) and a H500 (works great, missing front cover). Am I to understand that you sell the battery box setup for these? KG6YVD

[@morrised2006]

I do make battery kits for the Trans-Oceanic radios. Visit edsantiqueradios.com. If you watch listings for Zenith Trans-Oceanic radios on EBay, you may find a complete cabinet for sale. A cabinet from any H500 or 600 series TO will work.

[@donalddesnoo5303]

You can use a 1r5 for 1l6 in a pinch there about 5$ or less poor on sw .

[@randomguy1769]

I'm convinced I spotted one of these radios in the 1949 movie "White Heat" (starring James Cagney.) Can you confirm which one? It was around 01:10:45 into the movie.

[@morrised2006]

I don’t recall as I haven’t seen that movie in years, but it is not unusual to spot a Zenith Trans-Oceanic radio in an old movie. They often appeared as props, both tube models and solid state models.

[@randomguy1769]

​@@morrised2006 I understand. I just sent you some screenshots from the movie via email. Let me know if that helps.

[@ramongarrison1655]

I have one of them how much is they worth

[@morrised2006]

Value depends mainly on the cosmetic condition. Could be anywhere from $50 to $200. Check sold listings on EBay for G500s in similar condition to yours for possible value. The G500 is the rarest version of the Trans-Oceanic and some think the most beautiful version.