Right from the beginning of the Royal 500s, Zenith made their flagship set in Maroon (and of course Black).  However, for some reason, when they introduced the 500H in 1961, they stopped.  Many of us collectors have wondered why?  It made me curious to know what a 500H in Maroon would look like.  

So, I decided to do some experiments with less-than-perfect Ivory H’s.  Using regular fabric dye, I was able to produce a 500H in a deep Maroon color.  The pictures are below.

Then to take it a step further, I made a two-tone set similar to the two-tone Royal 500E that Zenith made some of just a couple of years earlier.   

These are novelty sets and not factory produced, but I wonder why not?  Your comments are welcomed. 

Thanks and enjoy!  Gary 

Check out these The 500H Color They Should Have Made radios.

Maroon 500H novelty (left)
Maroon 500H novelty (right)
Two-tone Maroon 500H novelty (left)
Two-tone Maroon Royal 500H novelty (right)
Two-tone Maroon Royal 500H novelty (back)