Thomas Collector's Edition Radio Model 711 Value Guide

The Thomas Collector's Edition Model 711 is a notable 1989-1992 reproduction that captured the nostalgia of the 1930s Art Deco era. Modeled after the iconic Zenith 6-S-229, this 'tombstone' style radio is a popular entry-level collectible that bridges the gap between classic aesthetics and modern solid-state convenience.

What Is Thomas Collector's Edition Radio Model 711 Worth?

The typical price range for Thomas Collector's Edition Radio Model 711 is $45 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Functional condition of the side-loading cassette deck, which is often the first component to fail due to belt degradation.
• Cosmetic integrity of the wood finish and the plastic tuning knobs, as scratches or chips significantly lower the $45-$50 market average.
• Presence of the original documentation or packaging, which appeals to collectors of 1980s-era nostalgia electronics.
• Clarity of the dial glass and the operational status of the internal backlighting.

How to Identify Thomas Collector's Edition Radio Model 711?

• Check for the 'Thomas Collector's Edition' branding and the specific 'Model 711' designation on the rear identification plate.
• Look for the side-loading cassette player slot, a key feature that distinguishes this modern reproduction from authentic 1930s vacuum tube radios.
• Verify the materials, which include a wood cabinet housing solid-state electronics rather than the heavy transformers and glass tubes found in originals.
• Examine the dial face for the 'Zenith' style layout, which includes both AM and FM bands not present on genuine pre-war models.

History of Thomas Collector's Edition Radio Model 711

Produced during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Thomas Collector's Edition series capitalized on the nostalgia for Art Deco 'tombstone' and 'cathedral' radios of the 1930s. This specific model, the 711, was designed as a replica of the iconic Zenith 6-S-229, blending classic aesthetics with then-modern solid-state electronics and a cassette deck.