The Royal 300 featured a large chrome face with a porthole window for the tuning dial. The earliest 300’s had the words “Seven Transistors” printed at the top of the faceplate, but Zenith soon changed it to read “All Transistor”. The lettering on the back was well protected when the radio was laid down by two little “feet” at the top and a third foot rest on the bottom of the battery door. I don’t know why Zenith didn’t continue this as it seemed to work fine, but the 300 is the only model that they did this to.
Zenith produced the Royal 300 in four colors. You can commonly find them in pine forest green, and black. The maroon ones are more scarce and the white 300’s are very rare. In fact, I have seen only three examples; mine which is pictured below, a badly damaged one listed on ebay in early 2006, and the fine example in Norman Smith’s collection.
The unique styling of the Royal 300 makes them a highly sought after collectable, especially when found with the metal face still in nice condition.
Fact Sheet
Radio: | Royal 300 |
Year introduced: | 1957 |
Cost New: | $59.95 |
Colors: | Black, Maroon, Green, and White |
Dimensions: | 5.75″ H, 3.75″ W, 1.5″ D |
Weight: | 15 ounces |
# of Transistors: | 7 |
Powered by: | 4 AA batteries |
Undistorted output: | 100 Milliwatts |
Check out these Royal 300 radios.
Green Royal 300
Early Black Royal 300
Rare White Royal 300
Maroon Royal 300
Another view of my White Royal 300
Early Maroon 300
Gary: It appears that the Royal 800 was sharing serial numbers with the 500A. I saw one with serial 042475 with date codes in June 1956. I know the Royal 300 was using serial numbers from the 500B and 500D models. This is going to make it tougher to figure the production totals for each. Can anyone else provide serial and date info for the Royal 800?
Gary,
Do you happen to have the tiny screw that holds the faceplate or know how I can obtain one? I have a nice black 300 but that screw is missing. I hate using tape to hold it in. Thanks
I am looking for you Anthony.
Well, I would have bet that I could have found one of those little screws for you but both of my “donor” sets are missing that screw. Darn. So sorry I can’t be of help to you.
Hi Gary,
I acquired a black Royal 300 that has some water damage near the bottom. This rusted out and destroyed the bottom battery contacts. Do you have a replacement battery compartment with in-tact battery contacts? Thanks!
Adam, I found one. Check your email for pictures and description. Thanks, Gary