It was a pleasant surprise to discover a Zenith 7G605 Trans Oceanic portable (barely visible in a retro shop window) in Cape Town, a few years ago.
Manufactured during late 1941, the original Trans Oceanic sets were sold from January to April of 1942. A well-researched historical account of this ledengary radio, written by Philip Nelson, is available at Phil's Old Radios
The following is an email response from the late John H. Bryant, FAIA co-author "The Zenith Trans-Oceanic: The Royalty of Radio" :
"... Absolutely wonderful example of the 7G605 Bomber. Both Commander McDonald, the founder of Zenith and god father of the Trans-Oceanic, and the Zenith family would be proud that the original version of the T-O had made it to Capetown and had lived such an obviously happy life. Congratulations and thank you for preserving this important piece of radio history ..."
Click onto the above image for more photographs of this classic Zenith Trans-Oceanic.
An early advertisement for the Zenith 7G605 Trans Oceanic.