#67 • Zenith Cobra-Matic Hi-Fi record player

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $3,750.00

Status: Sold

Description Offered here is Colonel Harland Sanders' personal Zenith Cobra-Matic Hi-Fi record player, preserved at Blackwood Hall and accompanied by its original 1959 service tag from Corbin, Kentucky. Still attached to the cabinet is a service tag from Roaden Radio & TV Sales & Service, 1801 S. Main Street, Corbin, Kentucky, documenting repairs completed on March 5, 1959. The tag bears the name "Harlon Sanders" and records a total repair cost of $6.65, preserving an ordinary moment from the life of one of America's most recognizable entrepreneurs. Unlike many surviving pieces of household furniture, this record player retains period documentation connecting it directly to Sanders during the years Kentucky Fried Chicken was rapidly expanding across the country. The cabinet houses its original Zenith Cobra-Matic automatic record changer and retains the original winding key. Household furnishings often become part of the background of history. In this case, the original service tag transforms an everyday object into a documented piece of Colonel Sanders' personal life, offering collectors a rare connection to the home and routines of the man behind the global brand. Historical Significance Few artifacts offer a more personal glimpse into Colonel Sanders' daily life than the furnishings that remained in his home. While Sanders became known worldwide through his restaurants and public appearances, Blackwood Hall was where he lived, entertained, and spent time away from the demands of business. This Zenith Cobra-Matic was part of that environment during one of the most important periods in the history of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The surviving 1959 service tag provides an authentic snapshot of the era, documenting a routine repair completed in Corbin, Kentucky, at a time when Colonel Sanders was actively building what would become one of the world's most successful franchise systems. Such ordinary details often become the most meaningful, offering a tangible connection to the everyday life of an extraordinary individual. Provenance From the Claudia Sanders Dinner House Collection. The record player remained at Blackwood Hall, the longtime residence of Colonel Harland Sanders, and was preserved by the Settle family, longtime friends of Sanders and recipients of numerous personal gifts from him. Condition The cabinet exhibits routine wear to the top consistent with age and decades of use. Scuffing is present near the lower base, likely from normal movement over the years. Overall, the cabinet remains in good vintage condition. The power cord exhibits dry rot and has not been tested. The operating condition is unknown, and the unit is being offered as-is. Prospective bidders are encouraged to review all photographs and conduct their own inspection regarding condition, originality, functionality, repairs, and overall preservation.