Museum of Technology, The History of Gadgets and Gizmos

Museum of Technology, The History of Gadgets and Gizmos
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Home: Domestic
Please Note: Not all of the objects on this website are on display at the museum.
Cameras, projectors, radios, gramophones, televisions, tape and wire recorders, electrical equipment
A Short History of the Gramophone A Brief History of Wireless
VICEROY DRY SHAVER (SPRING LOADED), 1936
Non-electric razor with cutter driven by friction motor and external hand-crank.
Dark maroon phenol plastic body similar to later electric version.Sliding cutting
head similar in principle to Schick/Remmington with sliding cover. Stiff metal case
covered, normally with cleaning brush supplied. Tricky to use as two simultaneous
actions are needed - cranking the lever and guiding the shaving head.
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Larger image A1462
PHILISHAVE BATTERY SHAVER, 1950's
Philishave was the brand name for the electric shavers manufactured by the
Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care unit of Philips (in the U.S.A., the
Norelco name is used instead). In recent years, Philips had extended the
Philishave brand to include hair clippers, beard trimmers and beard shapers.
Philips used the Philishave brand name for their shavers from 1939 to 2006.
The Philishave shaver was invented by Philips engineer Alexandre Horowitz, who
used rotating cutters instead of the reciprocating cutters that had been used in
previous electric shavers.
The shaver was introduced in 1939, though initial production was limited due to
the outbreak of World War II (the production facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands
was overrun by the German Army in 1940).
After the war, a slightly improved version of the cigar-shaped single-head shaver
Larger image was introduced. A more ergonomic egg-shaped single-head model was introduced
in 1948 and was designed by US industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Global
sales increased markedly after a double-head model was introduced in 1951.
The brand name Philishave was phased out in 2006.
Bruce Hammond Collection
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A1193
PIFCO RAZOLITE MIRROR, 1952
The Pifco Razor Lite, a small mirror with a mains lamp behind, which shines
through a small area of the mirror.
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Larger image A1197
ELECTRIC MINI PERM, 1930's
Electric Hair curling system with heated rods holding curling tongs.
A1172
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'FEN SON' ELECTRIC HAIR DRYER, 1925
This is a very early example of an electric hair dryer.
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A1247
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'BEST FRIEND' HAIR DRYER, 1932
Another example of an early hair dryer. They ARE extremely heavy to use.
A1245
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FORFEX HAIR DRYER, 1930's
A hair dryer originating from the 1930's.
The name Forfex still exists, and hair dryers and clippers are still made under this
brand name.

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A1246
RAYDO ELECTRIC HAIR BRUSH, 1930's
A small battery in the block is connected to wires on the brush used as the
bristles. As the hair is combed the current from the battery passes through the
scalp via the wires.
The instructions claim that the brush can stop baldness and grey hair from forming
if the unit is used seven minutes in the morning and five minutes at night, every
day.
It was not actually very effective. We think that this would be considered a
Quackery item.
Larger image Bruce Hammond Collection
A1243
WHITES ELECTRIC HAIR BRUSH, 1920's
"Electricity gives life giving properties to the hair right down to the roots".
According to the instructions, one 3 volt battery can do all this?. Just switch the
unit on and brush 5 minutes in the morning and 7 minutes at night. The bristles
are sharp hard wire, it must have been very painful to use. We think it's another
Quackery item.
Larger image Be the first to write a comment about this object
A1194
ROLLS RAZOR 'VICEROY' ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER in TRAVEL PACK, 1938
Rolls Razor Ltd. is probably best known because of its sets of safety razors with a
sharpening device (1920's and later) and later its manually driven Viceroy Non-
electric Dry Shaver (patent application filed 1937). In the 1940's and 1950's Rolls
Razor also manufactured electric shavers.
Assuming good prospects on the electric shaver market, Rolls Razor opened a
new factory in Hemel Hempstead, where it was one of the pioneers in a new
industrial area. However, Rolls Razor announced that it was to close its factory
because of mounting losses and fears of a world slump - it was going back 'home'
to Cricklewood. The company sold the Hemel Hempstead site and land for
expansion to Kodak. Kodacolor film was introduced in 1957 and all the colorfilm
processing in the UK was to be carried out at the Hemel Hempstead plant.
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A1192
SIEMENS ELECTRIC BATTERY RAZOR, 1938
An ordinary safety razor with modified blade holder which moves from side to side,
driven by a small motor in the handle. Batteries are kept in a separate metal box.
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SINGLE HEAD PHILISHAVE, 1940
Philishave was the brand name for the electric shavers manufactured by the
Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care unit of Philips (in the U.S.A., the
Norelco name is used instead). In recent years, Philips extended the Philishave
brand to include hair clippers, beard trimmers and beard shapers. Philips used the
Philishave brand name for their shavers from 1939 to 2006.

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A1244
CURLING IRONS FOR HAIR, 1906
The Hair Curling Iron was heated inside an electric element on a stand. For
domestic use.
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ELECTRIC MASSAGER, 1930's
Personal massaging equipment for the home. It has rubber pronged disks fitted to
the motor and a mechanism to create a vibrating motion.
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ARNOLD HAIR REMOVAL UNIT, 1920's
Ladies hair removal system.

A simple needle and a wrist strap connected to a battery, and power control to
increase the voltage. The needle is inserted into the channel of the hair until it
reaches the root, the voltage kills the root and the hair will whither and die.

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A1184
VANDRE HAIR REMOVER, 1930's
Ladies hair removal system. It consists of a simple needle and a wrist strap
connected to a battery and power control, which gradually increases the voltage.
The needle is inserted into the channel of the hair until it reaches the root, the
voltage kills the root and the hair will drop out.

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A1185
PIFCO HEAT MASSAGER, 1950's
Relieves Colds, Sinus, Rheumatic Pains, Muscular Aches and Pains, Stiff Neck,
Sore Throat, Pains in the Back! or so the pamphlet says. Just switch on and rub
over the affected area. Cost �4.00 in the 1950's. We think this might be
considered Quackery.

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A1196
CARBON ARC SUN RAY LAMP, 1950's
A Health Ray Sun Lamp that uses two Carbon rods connected to the mains via a
cooking element, this acts as a safety load.
When the carbons touch they create an arc of light that is very high in Ultra Violet
light, making it ideal for a sun lamp. This unit would not only produce lots of smoke
but the rods would continually need adjusting, as they quickly deteriorate when in
use and burn away.

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A0972
PYE BLACK BOX MODEL BBA 1958, 1958
''Mutton Dressed as Lamb''. This would have looked fine in a parlour during the
1950's. The Pye Black Box was designed to fit in with expensive decor of the time,
and certainly wins here. Unfortunately its performance does not, similar to today's
so called Hi-fi systems looks sell, the sound is of no consequence. Pye must have
invented the catchphrase 'BOXY' any true High Fidelity enthusiast of the time
would not be impressed. The Pye Black Box Range started in 1954 with their
original model using an inexpensive crystal Cartridge on a BSR turntable with an
amplifier consisting of two EL42 valves in push pull configuration and two
speakers wired in parallel on either side of the cabinet. There were four variations
in this design. In 1958 the second range of models arrived including this one the
BBA version (as shown), the Amplifier used two PCL83 valves (Triode Pentodes)
again in Push Pull, these valves were designed for use in the audio output stage
of Televisions using the other section of the valve as a pre -amp, Why Pye chose
this valve is probably obvious (economy). Together with this change two additional
tweeters were added (high frequency speakers), a bit pointless as the amplifiers
frequency range could not drive them, if it could have done it might have improved
the sound considerably. Also the BSR deck in the earlier version was changed for
a Garrard AT6 Auto Slim auto-changer using again an inexpensive Crystal
Cartridge having a dual tip being LP/78 rpm change over stylus. The Pye Black
Box was still an icon of its era if you could have afforded it, at £31.0.01d Plus
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Purchase tax. Nearly two weeks wages for some in those days. Release date
1958. Valve compliment 2 X PCL83 1 X ECC83 and a metal rectifier.
This item can be demonstrated.
Kindly donated by the Design Museum London
A1591
BULGIN GRAMOPHONE SIGNAL LAMP, 1940's
The box Reads:- Indicates when the amplifier is switched on and throws a white
shaft of light on the turntable. A neat switch is incorporated in the base. Highly
nickel plated ruby lens fittings. Baseboard fitting. Terminal connections. Price 3/6d
Bruce Hammond collection
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THE EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAPH, 1900's
The first commercially produced playing machine. It worked by vibrating the stylus
up and down whilst moving across the cylinder (Hill and Dale method).
Prices dropped from $150 in 1891 to $20 in 1899.
Cylinders were 50 cents each.
Watch the Phonograph in Operation on E2BN

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A0534
GRAPHAPHONE PHONOGRAPH TYPE Q, 1903
The Columbia Graphaphone Type Q also known as a QC with lid, was one of the
Columbia lowest priced Phonographs selling at a mere $7.50. Made between
1903 and 1905 it plays standard 2 minute cylinders compatible with Edison�s
Phonographs. After Sumner Tainter and A.G.Bell of telephone fame got together
and produced the first wax cylinders Edison started producing his Phonograph
using wax instead of his foil type cylinder, contesting in court that his patent had
been infringed, this went on for two years during which, his own product was
limited in production. Tainter and Bell succeeded in getting a patent for there wax
process and the two companies continued in opposition.
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A1377
TOURNAPHONE/PATHE GRAMOPHONE, 1906
This model of the Tournaphone was made in Germany under license before the
First World War. Note:- these machines use a jewelled stylus not a needle.
The word gramophone was first used by Alexander Graham Bell when he
developed a machine using flat records instead of cylinders, but the principle was
the same as Edison's Hill and Dale method (stylus vibrates up and down). Emile
Berliner, a German American, first produced flat records that vibrated the stylus
from side to side (the opposite of Bell's design).
The Tournaphone was a design developed by 'PATHE' in 1906 and plays Hill and
Dale records at 90 rpm starting from the inside moving to the outside. It was easily
changed to play ordinary 78 rpm records by turning the sound box, and replacing
the jewelled stylus with a needle. 78 rpm records continued till the 1950's, the
museum demonstrates 78rpm records on several gramophones including the
Tournaphone.
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Watch the Gramophone in Operation on E2BN
A0788
EDISON FIRESIDE PHONOGRAPH TYPE , 1909
The Edison Fireside was a compact phonograph that was introduced with the
release of four-minute records in 1908. This model was immediately very popular,
the mechanism has a factory-installed switch for choosing 2 versus 4 minute
records, the Model K reproducer has a swivelling stylus for different types of
cylinders, and the horn is the small maroon Morning Glory type. Type 'A' indicates
the first in the series of this model.
Donated by Peter and June Carter

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A1463
DECCA PORTABLE REFLECTOR GRAMOPHONE, 1920's
This type of gramophone was a favourite with Officers during the First World War.
There have been many reports of Officers enjoying records behind the lines and
some units have been found with bullet damage.
A0537
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WAX CYLINDERS (GOLD TYPE), 1920's
These are two minute cylinders played at 160 revolutions per minute, for use with
item A0534 the Edison Standard Phonograph. Called gold because of the new
process used to make the master in 1902. Edison ceased making cylinders in
1929 when his Phonographic Company closed down.
A0534 - EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAPH

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A0730
PETER PAN FOLDING GRAMOPHONE, 1924
Designed to be fully portable in a box similar to cameras of the period.
Donated by Mrs Lilias Johnson
Watch the Gramophone on Operation on E2BN

Larger image A0884
STROVIOLS, ONE STRING FIDDLE, 1930's
The instrument on the right is made by the inventor Charles Stroh; on the left is a
home made version using a cigar box.
The introduction of Gramophones spurred the idea that greater volume could be
achieved by amplifying the sound of an instrument with a horn. Early buskers
could not afford the horned version, let alone a real fiddle, so they made their own
out of cigar or biscuit boxes.....
A0802, A0506
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HMV GRAMOPHONE MODEL 109, 1930's
The HMV gramophone is a model 109.

of the late 1920's, this one probably 1930's.
This Model 109 was advertised in the company brochure of 1928-1929 The Oak
Model costing �10-10-0d Mahogany costing �12-0-0d
HMV, His Masters Voice, a famous style Gramophone from before WW2 and used
well into the 1960's. The original style dates from 1913.
78rpm records were still being played well into the 1960's. 78 rpm records are still
available, this player can be demonstrated in the museum.
In 1899 'The Gramophone Company' the UK partner to the US Gramophone Co,

run by Emile Berliner, purchased the Trademark 'His Masters Voice' using a
painting by Francis Barraud showing 'Nipper' the dog listening to a Phonograph,
this had to be altered at the Gramophone Company's request, to show one of
Berliners Gramophones as the original had an Edison type Phonograph.
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Watch the Gramophone in Operation on E2BN
A0538
J.B.WOODROFFE ELECTRIC GRAMOPHONE PICK UP, 1930's
In the 1920's Electric recording was a possibility, the general public were using
clockwork Gramophones to play 78 rpm records using acoustic pick ups, as
Wireless sets were becoming popular it could be possible if your Wireless had a
Gram input on the rear of the set to plug in an Electric pick up similar to one of
these. J.B.Woodroffe patented this particular type in 1927 although many similar
types were to follow, this was one of the first. It consists of a horseshoe magnet
with a moveable armature attached to a standard needle, which fits into the
bottom of the unit with a small knurled screw, the coils pick up the movement, and
produce a variable current which is amplified by the wireless speaker amplifier.
A1500
LISSEN ELECTRIC GRAMOPHONE PICK UP, 1930's
In the 1920's Electric recording was a possibility, the general public were using
clockwork Gramophones to play 78 rpm records using acoustic pick ups, as
Wireless sets were becoming popular it could be possible if your Wireless had a
Gram input on the rear of the set to plug in an Electric pick up similar to one of
these. It consists of a magnet with a moveable armature attached to a standard
needle, which fits into the bottom of the unit with the magnet securing it in place,
the coils pick up the movement, and produce a variable current which is amplified
by the wireless speaker amplifier.

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A1501
HMV ELECTRIC PICK UP, 1930's
The acoustic pick up of a standard gramophone is removed and replaced with the
unit supplied. The lead is connected to a volume unit which in turn is plugged into
the Gram input of a Wireless receiver of the period. The gramophone is used in
the normal way after fitting a steel needle to the new pick up, much louder sounds
of the records are now emitted from the wireless.

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A1257
RI AND VARLEY GRAMOPHONE PICK UP, 1930's
High quality electric Pick Up for converting wind up gramophones for electric
insertion to the Gram input of wireless's Gram input terminals. Made by Radio
Instruments Ltd,in conjunction with Varley Ltd.
Nortel Collection
A1328
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EDISON BELL MAGNETIC PICK UP CONVERSION, 1930's
Wireless was becoming more popular in the early 30's; mechanical gramophones
had been around for much longer.
If the acoustic head of a Gramophone was removed and the round block with a
pillar for a needle in this kit was mounted in its place, then plugged into the other
section which had a 4 pin valve plug on it, the unit could be plugged into the
socket on a wireless receiver that was reserved for the valve prior to the speaker
valve. This would connect the new electrical pick up to the audio output stage of
the receiver, thus using it as an amplifier.

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A0743
GRAMOPHONE POSTCARDS, 1930's
In 1929 Raphael Tuck went into the business of producing Gramophone Record
Postcards. The English monthly journal Musical Opinion and Music Trades
Review had a regular column "Gramophone Gossip". The September 1929 issue
contains the following: �Gramophone Record Postcards: Messrs. Raphael Tuck
are responsible for an amusing and interesting innovation in the shape of
gramophone record picture postcards. Measuring 3in., these discs play for one
minute and cost 3d each. Several series are already available, and I have heard
admirable demonstrations of "Auld Lang Syne", "Ye Banks and Braes", "Annie
Laurie", "Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond". Besides these songs there are
orchestral records and cornet and saxophone solos. One immediate result of
these postcards has been the installation of portable gramophones in the smaller
Larger image stations to demonstrate them!�
A1341
LISSENOLA PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE, 1930's
Classic style of portable gramophone with storage for records in the lid.
Donated by Mrs Edwards
A0925
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COLUMBIA STEEL PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE, 1930's
Gramophone number 100 made in England by Columbia, the Trade Mark for EMI
Records.
A1012
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HMV GRAMOPHONE MODEL 104, 1932
A beautiful example of the famous HMV Gramophone. The sound was fair due to
the wooden box, but not as good as some horn types. The style similar to this was
first introduced in 1913.
A1154
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THORENS 'EXCELDA' FOLDING GRAMOPHONE, 1932
Thorens is a Swiss manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. They are

historically renowned for the range of phonographs (turntables) they produce. In
addition to audio playback equipment, they are also a historical producer of
harmonicas and cigarette lighters, most notably the button activated automatic
lighter.

Larger image A0866
KING GEORGE V CHRISTMAS ADDRESS 1935, 1935
'A Message to the Empire' on a 78rpm record (Broadcast on Christmas Day 1935)
H.M.King George V (The profits from this record were paid to Charities nominated
by H.M. the King.
Nortel Collection
Listen to the message on YouTube

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A1401
COLUMBIA PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE, 1940's
Portable gramophone for 78rpm records, common in the 1940's and 50's.
A0812
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'NIPPER' ADVERTISING TRADE MARK FOR HMV, 1940's
Nipper was born in 1884 in Bristol, England, and died in September 1895. It has
been claimed by various sources that he was a Jack Russell Terrier, a Fox Terrier,
a Rat Terrier, or an American Pit Bull Terrier. He was named Nipper because he
tried to bite visitors in the leg.
In 1898, three years after Nipper�s death, his owner painted a picture of Nipper
listening intently to a wind-up Edison-Bell cylinder phonograph. On February 11th
1899 he filed an application for copyright of his picture �Dog Looking At and
Listening to a Phonograph.� Thinking the Edison-Bell Company might find it
useful, he presented it to James E. Hough who (displaying the kind of thinking that
would eventually doom the Edison Records company itself) promptly said, �Dogs
don�t listen to phonographs�.
On May 31st 1899, Nippers owner went to the Maiden Lane offices of The
Larger image Gramophone Company with the intention of borrowing a brass horn to replace the
original black horn on the painting. Manager, William Barry Owen, suggested that
if the artist replaced the entire machine with a Berliner disc gramophone, the
Company would buy the painting. A modified form of the painting became the
successful trademark of Victor and HMV records, HMV music stores, and RCA.
A0535
PIXIE PHONE, 1950's
Toy gramophone with records of nursery rhymes and short stories. Made as a
cheap novelty for children during the late 1940's 50's.
Watch the Pixiephone in Operation on E2BN
Larger image A0964
FIDELITY PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER, 1960's
The Fidelity player was powered from the mains. Unlike earlier record players this
one played 45rpm records, as well as 78rpm with a turn over type cartridge,using
a LP stylus and a larger version for 78 records.It can play 4 speeds, 16,33,45,and
78 rpm's.
The case was made from cardboard and cost �12.10s.6d. Mr. T.Cass bought one
in 1959 for �2 pounds deposit and 12 monthly payments of 1 Pound,1 Shilling
and 6 pence.
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A0521
RUCO PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER, 1950's
Plays 45 rpm records only. Valve amplifier. 'Garrard' turntable BA.1
A0919
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REGENTONE RECORD PLAYER IN FIBRE CASE, 1960's
Portable record player in a small suit case powered from the mains electricity.
Complete with small internal amplifier
A0522
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PLUS-a-GRAM JUNIOR MPA PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER, 1950's
Normally this player would have been connected to the 'Gram' input provided on
the back of some radios.
A0926
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SANYO PORTABLE RADIOGRAM, 1970's
Transistorised Record player and radio.
A0532
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STRAND ULTRA VIOLET EXPERIMENTAL OUTFIT 1950', 1950's
The box provides Ultra Violet sensitive paint that can be put onto items including
body and face (no warnings are given as to its safety) when the lamp provided is
switched on and used to illuminate the subject the paint glows brightly. As
expected. Six colours are provided as well as some face cream.
Donated by Richard P Cook

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A1586
SHARP MZ 100 PC, 1980's
An early example of a Personal Computer. It used a domestic television as a

display. The program was supplied on a cassette tape run on an internal tape
player.
Donated by Geoff Robinson

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PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR TI59 AND PC-100c PRINTER, 1970's
The TI-59 was an early programmable calculator, manufactured by Texas

Instruments from 1977. It was the successor to the TI SR-52, quadrupling the
number of "program steps" of storage, and adding "ROM Program Modules" (an
insert-able ROM chip, capable of holding 5000 program steps.) It was one of the
first LED calculators. Also available for the TI-59 was a thermal printer (the
PC100C); the calculator was mounted on top of the printer. It could print out a
hard copy of the calculator's program, where the instructions were listed with the
same alphanumeric mnemonics as the keys , not just the numeric key codes.
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A1459
HEWLETT PACKARD POCKET PC, 1970's
Pocket sized personal computer, supplied by Zengrange Ltd Leeds, England
Donated by Allen Robert
A1024
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EPSON HX20 LAPTOP COMPUTER, 1982
The Epson HX-20 (also known as the HC-20) is generally regarded as the first
laptop computer, announced in November 1981, although first sold widely in 1983.
Full-size keyboard, an LCD screen, printer, tape storage device, built-in
rechargeable batteries. Microsoft BASIC is also included in ROM. Price in 1982
US$795. CPU=Two Hitachi 6301 @ 0.614MHz. Ram 16K, 32K max
Nortell Collection

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A1385
AMSTRAD PC9512 COMPUTER, 1991
Replaced the PC8152. which in turn superseded the PCW8256 (Personal

Computer Word Processor). Released in 1985. The company Amstrad was
launched by Alan Sugar in 1968.
Donated by Dr Richard Grayson

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COMMODORE PET 8296 DISK DRIVE AND PRINTER, 1984
The last of the Pet series this one made in western Germany in 1984 The final
version of what could be thought of as the "classic" PET was the PET 4000 series.
This was essentially the later model 2000 series, but with a larger black-and-green
monitor and a newer version of Commodore's BASIC programming language.
By this point Commodore had noticed that many customers were buying the "low
memory" versions of the machines and installing their own RAM chips, so the
4008 and 4016 had the sockets punched out of the motherboard.
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Donated by Geoff Robinson
A0937
SINCLAIR ZX81 PERSONAL COMPUTER, 1981
Successor to Sinclair's ZX80, 1.5 million units were sold before it was
discontinued. Programs and data were loaded and saved onto audiotape
cassettes; The ZX81 could be bought by mail order in kit form or pre-assembled. It
came with 1 Kb of on-board memory, QWERTY keyboard layout, and an optional
a 16 Kb RAM pack shown in the picture. The owner supplied a TV and cassette
recorder.
Donated by L.G.Bray
A1524
SINCLAIR SPECTRUM PERSONNAL COMPUTER, 1982
The original ZX Spectrum with rubber keyboard, being small in size and with a
rainbow motif. Originally released in 1982 with 16 KB of RAM for �125 Sterling or
with 48 KB for �175; these prices were later reduced to �99 and �129
respectively. Owners of the 16 KB model could purchase an internal 32 KB RAM
upgrade. Shown with printer, Micro drive, tape-loop cartridge storage device, and
an Interface, with RS232 port, the owner provided a colour TV and Cassette
recorder, for program storage.
Donated by L.G.Bray
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A1523
URANIUM GLASS CANDLESTICK, 1930's
The term uranium glass, to the collector, will always be associated with that oily,
yellow-green, transparent medium known as Vaseline glass.
The chemistry textbooks tell us that uranium was discovered by the German
chemist, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, in 1789, although this may not be the whole
story. The element was named after the planet Uranus and what Klaproth reported
to the Royal Prussian Academy of Science in that year was uranium oxide, which
he had separated from the heavy, black mineral known as pitchblende. The
element itself was not isolated until 1841, but this did not stop it from being used in
glass-making. Items made using such elements mainly for the colouration have a
unique trait, they glow under Ultra Violet light, they are not however usually very
Radio Active, this one is unmeasured, as it is too weak. Uranium glass can still be
purchased today because of its unique colour.
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The Candlestick under UV light
A1454
ELECTRIC TRAVELLING IRON, 1930's
Electric Travelling Iron, the first design that became very popular.
Wall sockets were rare before WW2, sometimes only one would be in the house,
and often none at all, even if you were lucky enough to have Electricity, the lead
for this Iron was usually plugged into the lamp bulb holder hung from the ceiling.
It also has no safety earth connection.

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A0352
VOLTA ELECTRIC IRON, 1930's
Early Volta electric Iron.

This one comes complete with a stand
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ELECTRIC IRON, 1930's
Early Electric Iron.
A1213
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SERVANTS CALL BOX, 1930's
Servants call system on demonstration board, flaps on the indicator panel

(annunciator) moves from side to side when called as the bell rings, and are
marked to indicate caller.

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A1166
HOOVER 750, 1930's
First Hoover with famous 'beats-as-it-sweeps -as-it-cleans' motor-driven

agitator/brush unit, also the first with a polished aluminium body, it replaced the
Hoover model 541. It has a switch integral with the black steel handle and an
orange triangular badge. Replaced by 1930 Hoover model 725 with snap-action
handle and orange motor band. Basis for standard large Hoover upright until 1936
and continuing in modified form up to 1939.

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A1160
STYLOPHONE, 1967
The Stylophone is a miniature stylus operated synthesizer invented in 1967 by

Brian Jarvis. It consists of a metal keyboard played by touching it with a stylus.
Three million Stylophone's were sold, mostly as children's toys, Rolf Harris
appeared for several years as the Stylophone's advertising spokesman in the
United Kingdom. The Stylophone was available in three variants: standard, bass
and treble, the standard one being by far the most common.

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A1287
'LITBADGE' AN ILLUMINATED BADGE, 1937
An illuminated badge to celebrate the coronation of George VI in 1937.
A1261
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PIFCO ELECTRIC TIE PRESS, 1955
Slide the tie down the blade and plug the unit in.
A1262
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PIFCO ELECTRIC TROUSER PRESS, 1950's
A press for the seams of trousers. Once heated the blades are opened and
sandwiched over the crease then moved along the length of the legs.
Larger image A1266
BAKELITE ELECTRIC WATER BOTTLE, 1943
Although shaped like a standard rubber hot water bottle, no water is needed. Just
slip into the bed and plug in.
Larger image A1242
OZONE AIR FAN AND GENERATOR, 1930's
Ozone generator with an electric fan mounted on the top.
Devices generating high levels of ozone, some of which use ionization, are used
to sanitize and deodorize uninhabited buildings, rooms, ductwork, woodsheds,
boats and other vehicles.
For more information see item A1200

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A1211
TWO BED WARMERS, 1940's
One made of porcelain one made of Bakelite, simply electric water bottles (without
the water), no regulation and fairly low power. Sold before electric blankets were
available.
Larger image A1171
FULLY AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC CLOTHES BRUSH, 1950's
Gadgets like this were common after the War, this claimed to clean clothes on the
wearer better than an ordinary brush.
It consists of a fan and a small bag for catching anything that it could suck up. In
reality it was no better than an ordinary clothes brush.

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A1170
LAZY DAISY BELL & CALL BUTTON, 1940's
Used as a portable housemaid calling system.
A0118
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STEWARD 'STICK' VACUUM CLEANER, 1936
A small vacuum cleaner dated 1936
A1158
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BUSTLER (STICK) VACUUM CLEANER, 1930
The 'stick' upright cleaner was a popular format in the 20's and 30's. It was
cheaper and lighter, though lower-powered, that larger cleaners. The 'Bustler' was
a popular British model which was available well into the 1950s.
Best described as an 'electric broom', the motor, fan chamber and bag were all
mounted on the handle, with only the nozzle in contact with the floor.
Larger image A1159
ULTRAZONE OZONE GENERATOR, 1922
Devices generating high levels of ozone, some of which use ionization, are used
to sanitize and deodorize uninhabited buildings, rooms, ductwork, woodsheds,
boats and other vehicles.
In the U.S., air purifiers emitting lower levels of ozone have been sold. This kind of
air purifier is sometimes claimed to imitate nature's way of purifying the air without
filters and to sanitize both it and household surfaces. The United States
Environmental Protection Agency has declared that there is "evidence to show
that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is not
effective at removing many odour-causing chemicals or "viruses, bacteria, mould,

or other biological pollutants." Furthermore, its report states that "results of some
controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than
these [human safety] standards are possible even when a user follows the
manufacturer�s operating instructions."
Larger image The US government successfully sued one company in 1995, ordering it to stop
repeating health claims without supporting scientific studies, if that is the case we
think it should be classed as Quackery.
A1200
ELECTRIC FIRE, 1908
One of the very first electric fires. The lamps were made by Osram. With spare
lamp. The Spare is made by Robertson.
A0917
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TRICITY 'SUN RAY' LAMP HEATER, 1927
An electric fire that depended on the Infra-red output of a special light bulb.
The lamp produced both light and heat, and was designed as a standard
occasional table lamp with a black painted copper base. Copper light diffusers
concealed a 200 volt sausage-shaped Dowsing bulb.

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A1267
ELECTRIC BOWL FIRE, 1930's
Electric fire used between the Wars and afterwards, operating from 240-250 volt
AC mains.
A1240
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GOBLIN TEAS MADE MODEL D25B, 1960's
Machine for making tea automatically. On 17th December 1891 Samuel

Rawbottom applied for a Patent for an electric tea making machine, this original
device used a gas ring and alarm clock, on boiling, the water was forced through a
tube into the kettle. The principal is still used today. The model above (D25B)
originated from a patent application made by William H B Thornton in 1934 which
switches the kettle off by a switch in the base released when the water falls below
a certain level. The prototype formed the bases of the Goblin range of Teamaker
D25 made in the 1950's from 1955 to 1960 it was replaced by the model D25B in
1960.
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A1556
STAR TOASTER, 1922
Early Electric Toaster made by Maniby Fitzgerald in the USA.
A1225
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KNAPP TOASTER, 1930's
Early electric toaster in modern looking shape. Made by Knapp Monarch.
A1223
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PREMIER CHROME TOASTER, 1930's
Early Electric Toaster Made by Premier.
Larger image A1224
RYNA TOASTER TYPE 87, 1940's
Early toaster from the 1940's with toast positioned on flip down sides, marked
200v 400 Watts.
A0784
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ELECTRIC SAUCEPAN, 1911
Electric Copper Saucepan
A1220
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HOTPOINT COPPER KETTLE, 1930's
Early kettle made of Copper, heated electrically.
A1176
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'SAMOVAR', 1930's
Electric copper pot. Possibly a Samovar.
A1219
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COPPER KETTLE, 1920's
A fine example of an early electric kettle made in the UK by Cimflex Conduits Ltd.
Faster boiling was achieved by Swan in 1922, by placing the element in a metal
tube, directly into the water chamber.
Most electric kettles of the 1920s and 1930s retained the traditional look of their
non-electric ancestor, usually being made from copper with the option of nickel-
plate or vitreous-enamel finish. Some lighter aluminium kettles were made in the
1930s and a few chrome-plated streamlined designs with Bakelite handles
appeared in the late-1930s.
A1221
CHROME KETTLE, 1914
The electric kettle was a uniquely British product, owing its existence and
development to the British habit of tea-drinking. An electric kettle was first made
by Crompton and Co. in 1891 and all the earliest examples had the element in a
separate dry chamber under the water, maintaining the 'fire under the water'
layout of traditional boiling vessels. The separation of water from the element
made the kettle inefficient and expensive to run.
The electric kettle was, with a few exceptions, a strictly functional object and
seldom seen outside the kitchen, being regarded as a supplementary appliance to
the electric cooker.
This electric kettle was made by Launders Fray & Clark of USA.
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A1222
HAWKINS 'TECAL' TEAMAKER, 1936
This is one of the very first examples of a "Teamaker", see item A0123 for further
details.
The shade is of the period, but it is not the original.
This is one of the many items which have been donated to the museum, we are
always very grateful to all our visitors who decide to place objects into our care.
Larger image A1226
HAWKINS 'TECAL' TEAMAKER, 1952
The first Teamaker was made by Goblin in 1936, many similar types were made
after this, the one shown was made by Hawkins in 1952.
The Teamaker was a British invention of the 1930�s and was developed by the
British Vacuum Cleaner company ('Goblin') and first marketed in 1936.
Within a couple of years, similar early morning tea machines appeared, although
all versions operated in the same way: the alarm on the clock was set and when
reached, an electric element in the kettle was switched on to heat the water. The
pressure of the boiling water made it decant through a tube in the kettle lid into an
adjacent tea or coffee pot, making the whole unit pivot forward and activating the
light and buzzer alarm. Thus the sleeper awoke to a freshly brewed pot of tea!
The 'Teasmade' was a prime example of the 'servant replacement' function of

many electrical appliances, as it took on the task of the early morning maid, her
Larger image first responsibility being to supply a welcome cup of tea. Some very lavish
versions were produced on large trays, with matching teapots and crockery sets.
The 'Teasmade' was one of the few gadgets of the period to have survived,
creating its own market and developing into a recognised household appliance.
See item A1226 for the 1936 version.
A0123
KENWOOD CHEF MIXER, 1950's
Kenwood�s first main successful product was the Kenwood Electric Chef food
processor. This soon became a must-have kitchen item and housewives all over
the country wanted one.
The Kenwood Manufacturing Company Ltd. was taken over by Thorn EMI in 1968
after the 'Chef' had made Kenneth Wood a multi-millionaire.

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A0122
DRIED MILK TIN, 1940's
An example of a WWII Dried Milk Tin dated 1945.
A0865
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RONETTE CRYSTAL MICROPHONE TYPE B110 , 1950's
Popular microphone for the amateur in the 1950's the element is piezo crystal in
spite of its low output, the plastic is Polopas, (trade name) which is a form of
Bakelite. Price in the 1950's $13.50. Like Crystal cartridges these units have a
high output voltage up to one volt peak.
Larger image A1475
ACOS MIC35-1 CRYSTAL MICROPHONE, 1950's
Crystal microphone made in the early 1950's at the Enfield factory of Cosmocord
Ltd, they relocated to Waltham Cross in 1956. Crystal Microphones are very high
impedance and provide a higher voltage output than other types, they are fragile
and if dropped will probably cease to function, they are however the cheapest
type. These types of microphone were supplied with low cost equipment such as
Tape Recorders for domestic use.
Nortel Collection
Larger image A1354
ACOS CRYSTAL LAPEL MICROPHONE, 1950's
Crystal microphone for wearing on the lapel, made in the early 1950's at the
Enfield factory of Cosmocord Ltd, they relocated to Waltham Cross in 1956.
Crystal Microphones are very high impedance and provide a higher voltage output
than other types, they are fragile and if dropped will probably cease to function,
they are however the cheapest type. These types of microphone were supplied
with low cost equipment such as Tape Recorders for domestic use.
Nortel Collection
Larger image A1353
STC 4114A MOVING COIL MICROPHONE, 1960's
Less expensive version of the 4113A version, housed in a plastic box and using a
standard round diaphragm with a coil impedance of 200 ohms. The price written
on the box is �1-15s-0d.
Nortel Collection
A1352
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STC 4113A RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1960's
Ribbon Microphone for Public Address systems made by STC, it has a low
impedance of only 5 ohms and is small light and very robust.
The internal construction is of high quality, the Ribbon is fed by a horn,and is only
5mm across. No other information is known by the museum.
Nortel Collection
A1351
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MICROPHONE USED BY GEORGE V IN 1924
The Microphone used by His Majesty George V in 1924 when he opened the
Great Wembley Exhibition of that year, it is called a Double Button Carbon
Granule Microphone, and was connected to a Public Address system also made
by STC. This type of Microphone or Transmitter as it would have been known by,
was patented by Standard Telephones & Cables in 1918 as ES386.
Nortel Collection
A1350
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CARBON PUBLIC ADDRESS MICROPHONE IN FRAME, 1930's
Carbon Microphone for Public Address applications, fitted into a box with an on/off
switch. Also in the box is a transformer to change the impedance of the device
from low to standard 300ohm balanced line, a battery is required to drive the unit,
which is wired to the input of the transformer and there is a space in the box for
this.
"Reisz" type microphone
Nortel Collection
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A1324
EARLY HAND MICROPHONE, 1920's
Early Microphone of the carbon type used for Public Address,

with no makers identification, possibly a Kellog hand type. Marked with a broad
arrow and the letter 'L'

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A1264
BTH MICROPHONE, 1930's
Carbon Granules are packed between two carbon rods in a chamber on which
one side is a diaphragm of Mica sheet , sound waves move the sheet and
subsequently the granules, varying an electric current passed between the
electrodes.
Early Microphone probably used for Public Address systems.
Donated by Kenneth Thompson

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A1031
RESLOSOUND RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1950's
Ribbon type Microphone 30 ohms with transformer for Simon Sound recorder item
A0933.
Donated by Mr P Holmes
A0934
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HMV RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1950's
Ribbon microphone mainly used for Public Address, but of sufficient quality for a
small studio.
A0560
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STC 4021 'APPLE & BISCUIT' MICROPHONE, 1950's
Microphone Moving Coil type Nicknamed 'Apple and Biscuit' because of its shape.
Seen on TV in the 50's being used by reporters.
A0561
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WOODEN CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's
Carbon Granule Microphone for use with Public Address Systems.

A0734
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CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's
Carbon Granule Microphone for public address use.

A0736
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MOVING IRON MICROPHONE, 1930's
Probably just a toy for adults or early learners, the unit is of the carbon type. In the
base is a matching transformer, and the primary element requires 1.5 volts to
operate.
In use it has a unique sound like an early wireless broadcast.

Larger image A0317
MPR CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's
Low cost Carbon Microphone for the non professional market.
A0318
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SHAFTESBURY RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1940's
Ribbon Microphone for Public Address and recording systems.

Ribbon Microphones produce the highest quality for the human voice and are
used in recording studios.
This unit may have been used in a broadcast studio. And was made at.The Dulci
Works Tower Road London NW10. Marked on back
A0319
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GRAMPIAN TYPE MCR MICROPHONE, 1930's
Early Moving Coil Microphone used with Public Address systems.
A0583
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MAHOGANY CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's
Carbon granule type microphone in correct mounting, used for Public Address
Systems.
A0735
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LISTEN AND LAUGH MICROPHONE, 1930's
If this was plugged into the Gramophone input at the back of a wireless receiver
(of the same period), sounds directed at the device would emit from the receivers
speaker.
This item would provide great entertainment for the whole family.
A1255
POSTER 'AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS', 1937
Poster from 1937 advising residents of Parson Drove of the impending danger of
Air raids. Apparently it was not very well attended, most people were not
convinced that there would be a War.
Donated by Roger Reader
A1590
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JONES SEWING MACHINE, 1930's
The Jones Type CS range started in 1895. This machine is a Type 5 Variant 1 and
was made around 1935, its serial number is 15317 indicating a rough guide to its
age. CS stands for Central or Cylinder Shuttle, a type patented by William Jones
using a vibrating method, different from Singer machines in America being
imported in 1895 when Jones decided to design an improved machine in the UK.
He opened his first factory in 1860.
Donated by Anna Wallis

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A1589
PIFCO ELECTRIC FLASHER, 1950's
On the box it reads ''Make your Fairy lights flash''. Used in the days when power
for appliances was drawn from a light bulb socket via a switched double adapter.
Most homes in the 1950's only had one power socket per home.

Larger image A1575
A LAUNDMASTER, 1960's
Ultrasonic cleaning unit. We are not sure how it should be used, it looks like the
large round unit is placed but not submerged in the water amongst the material to
be cleaned, and there may have been a stand as the sonic element is in the base.
A label attached by a previous collector said 'similar to Vibrasonic'.
Item moved from the Mysteries section.

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A1582
FOB WATCH HOLDER WITH MAGNIFIER, 1940's
A bedside fob watch holder with a magnifying glass illuminated by a bulb in front
of the watch powered by an internal battery and turned on by a pear shaped push
button switch. The individual would place the unit by there bedside, if they wished
to know the time it could be viewed by pressing the switch without the need for
there spectacles unlike other units of this type.

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A1571
JOHN BULL PRINTING SET No8, 1959
Printing set from 1959, simple documents can be printed with this kit, aimed
mainly at children creating a few words at a time.
A1555
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RACING PIGEON CLOCK, circa 1940
Required for racing competitions, on release the bird could fly up to 1000km when
returning home the owners ring attached to bird would be placed in the slot on top
of the unit, the handle being turned moved the ring onto a sealed position and the
time was stamped on a roll of paper inside the unit.
Larger image A1545
POLICEMANS HAND/BELT LAMP, 1950's
Police belt lamp with wire handle, containing spare bulb, and box. Crown and ER
stamped on the front. As Spec MW/CS/105 marked on the box.
Larger image A1490
EXIDE ACCUMULATOR EVER READY BOX AND CARRYING CASE, 1940's
Standard Exide Accumulator with Ever Ready cardboard box in a wooden carrying
case for two units.
A1447
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GEC EARLY ELECTRIC FAN, 1950's
An Electric Fan made by GEC.
A0503
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EVER READY TORCH, 1940's
Wooden Lamp with handle and lever switch.

Battery type unknown.
A0211
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DROP DOWN LAMP, 1950's
Common pull down system, used in offices and shops before the Second World
War.
This one is a 1950's style
A0113
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EP TOY MOTOR, 1940's
Possibly made for powering Meccano builds. 2.4 Volt
A0886
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EARLY WARNING SIGN 'IT IS DANGEROUS TO TOUCH THE WIRES', 1930's
Early warning sign advising persons not to touch the electric wires.
Also written in Welsh.
Common when Electricity was first introduced into homes.
A1151
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NOVELTY BIRD FOB WATCH HOLDER, 1920's
A novelty item for children with two lamps for eyes. On its nose is a hook
presumably for a fob Watch.
A1228
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NANOX MAGNETO TORCH, 1919
Pushing the side flat metal lever drives a small generator to power the lamp.
This item is in perfect condition and still works.
Larger image A1231
CARBIDE LANTERN, 1950's
This Lantern was used by the 3rd Boxmoor Scouts before being donated to the
museum.
Donated by Dennis Huke
A0814
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TOY STEAM ENGINE, 1940's
A working model of a Steam Engine made in Germany by M.G.& Company as a

toy.
A0807
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PALANTYPE MACHINE, 1960's
Palantype or Stenography machine, they are very similar. Stenography is

American Palantype is British. The former has less keys than the latter, making
certain words ambiguous as both machine use Phonetic sounds as a means of
typing information, similar to shorthand, but typed instead. Palantype machines
can differentiate certain words better because of the extra keys. In spite of this the
Palantype was less favourable amongst users and fell out of favour. Words can be
typed on these machines at over 200 words per minute. They can often be seen in
movies containing courtroom Dramas as the spoken word could be recorded
quickly.
Donated by Anne Osborne

A1588
DICTAPHONE RECORDING MACHINE, circa 1940
The name "Dictaphone" was trademarked by the Columbia Graphophone

Company in 1907, which soon became the leading manufacturer of these
machines. This continued the use of wax cylinders for voice recording. They had
fallen out of favour for music recordings, in favour of disc technology. Dictaphone
was spun off into a separate company in 1923 headed by C. King Woodbridge.
Donated by Simon O'Hea of The Colt Group Ltd
A1552
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DICTAPHONE PLAYBACK MACHINE, circa 1940
Playback machine for the recordings made on the equipment above. Item A1552
A1553
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DICTAPHONE SCRAPING MACHINE MODEL 7 TYPE 'S', circa 1940
Machine for scraping the cylinders ready for the next recording after being played
on the equipment above. Item A1553
A1554
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DICTAPHONE RECORDING MACHINE AND CYLINDER, 1940's
Dictaphone was an American company, that produced sound recording devices

most commonly used to record speech for later playback, or to be typed into print.
The name "Dictaphone" is a trademark, but in some places it has also become a
common way to refer to all such devices.
The name "Dictaphone" was trademarked by the Columbia Graphophone

Company in 1907, they soon became the leading manufacturer of such devices.
After relying on wax cylinder recording through to the end of World War II, in 1947
Dictaphone introduced their Dictabelt technology, which cut a mechanical groove
into a plastic belt instead of into a wax cylinder. This was later replaced by
magnetic tape recording and eventually hard-drive recording.
A1189
CHRONOSTAMP TIME STAMP, 1950's
Time stamp for items such as documents received at a Solicitors office for legal
purposes.
A1550
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REMINGTON STANDARD No 7 TYPEWRITER, 1896
This machine has wooden keys and is poor condition but all the marks and
transfers still remain. Its Serial Number is 159,878 so it is probably made in the
early 1900's.
The type is struck on the paper from underneath so the typist cannot see what has
been printed without raising the Carriage assembly. Later this method was
abandoned, due to pressure of competition, and replaced by front typing where
the result can be seen.
Remington was the first to make the under-typing model after purchasing the
rights from the inventor Christopher Laythem Sholes in 1876. By 1882 the name
Remington was a brand only, Wyckoff Seamans and Benedict were producing
them and bought sole rights to make the machines 3 years later.
Larger image
This machine is in working order.
A1345
SMITH PREMIER TYPEWRITER No 10, circa 1908
This was the only full-keyboard front strike typewriter ever built.
When the Smith brothers' typewriter business ceased the name was bought by
Remington who continued to make Smith Premier machines, including the No.
10(SP10).
The new Smith Premier (Remington) factory was opened in 1908. The Smith
Premier No.10 with the new visible typing method was produced at the factory in
addition to older up strike type machines which were still in use. Production of the
No. 10 continued until 1921.
The Remington Junior was also built here.

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Donated by Eileen Griffiths
A1367
ROYAL No 10 TYPEWRITER, 1927
Production of the Royal No 10 started in 1914. It had glass windows on each side
so you could view the workings; earlier models had two on each side, later types
had only one.
The Royal company were so confident of the strength and reliability of these
machines that they dropped them in a crate from air planes as a publicity stunt to
prove that they would still function after such abuse.
Donated by Brian Kidd

A1368
UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER No 5, 1930's
This model of office typewriter was in use for many years, and was still popular
when computers replaced mechanical typewriters. This model has patents dating
back to September 26 1899. The model number has not yet been identified; we
think it's possibly a Number 5
The Underwood No.5 typewriter was first produced in 1901 by the Underwood
Typewriter Company of New York. It was designed by a German-American, Franz
X. Wagner, and was the first typewriter with a reliable 'front strike' mechanism
which allowed the typist to see what was being typed. It was also faster than other
designs of the time, operating effectively with a lighter touch, and had shift keys
for caps and lower case letters, plus a tabulator key.
A0099
BURROUGHS STANDARD ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER of 1932
Burroughs produced more calculators than typewriters, this is their Electric

carriage return machine that continued in production for many years but did not
alter much in that time.
Its advantage was that the carriage assembly could return automatically, other
than this it was just a standard typewriter.
A1372
IMPERIAL MODEL 58 TYPEWRITER, 1940's
Imperial typewriters originated in 1908 in England and were made until personal
computers became popular in the 70�s. The company was sold to Litton
Industries in 1966 and the typewriters were no longer made in England as of 1974
Donated by Ken Thompson

Larger image A1370
IMPERIAL TYPEWRITER WITH WAR FINISH 1940's
Imperial typewriters originated in 1908 in England and were made until personal
computers became popular in the 70�s. The company was sold to Litton
Industries in 1966 and the typewriters were no longer made in England as of
1974. This machine was made during or shortly after WW2 when factory's were
being used for the War effort and the normal Stove Enamel was in short supply.

Larger image A1548
REMMINGTON 'SUPER RITER' STANDARD TYPEWRITER of 1950
Remington 'Super-Riter' (1950) standard desktop manual typewriter made in USA

by Remington Rand. This one is probably 1960's
Larger image A1374
IMPERIAL 66 TYPEWRITER , 1961
In 1954 Imperial announced a new machine, the 66. In 1967 they began to import
cheaper machines from Japan and in the 1970's they were taken over by Litton
Industries the American electronics company who also took over the Royal
Company. Soon after the imperial name disappeared altogether.
The spools on the sides are for typing onto a tape.
A1373
IBM SELECTRIC 82 GOLF BALL TYPEWRITER, 1978
In 1865, Rev. Rasmus Malling-Hansen of Denmark invented the Hansen Writing

Ball, which went into commercial production in 1870.
Instead of a 'basket" of pivoting type bars the Selectric had a pivoting type
element (often called a "type ball") that could be changed so as to display different
fonts in the same document, resurrecting a capacity that had been pioneered by
the moderately successful Blickensderfer typewriter sixty years before.
One of the main advantages of the 'Ball' writers is removal of the problem of type
bars becoming tangled due to by pushing two or three keys grouped together at
the same time or by very fast typing, (particularly on poorly maintained machines),
Larger image caused by working the machines faster than the bars could relax.
Donated by Mr I W Mallory
A1375
FLEXOWRITER PUNCH TAPE CODING MACHINE, 1950's
Able to punch cards or tape using 5 bit code (tape has five readable holes per
character). Its uses included fast transmission of telegraphy messages, paymaster
data storage, or control of automatic equipment in a factory.
Donated by John Hutton

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A0096
FRIDEN ELECTRO MECHANICAL CALCULATOR TYPE CW8, 1960's
An electromechanical calculator that will perform the four basic mathematical

functions automatically.
Notes: Stepped drum, semi-automatic.

Digits: 10 keyboard, 11 counter, 20 accumulator
A1371
MULDIVO MENTOR MECHANICAL CALCULATOR, 1960's
An Odhner-type rotary pin-wheel machine.
This machine is fitted with a very useful back-transfer mechanism actuated by the
small red lever at top right. This transfers the number in the result register back up
to the setting register so that it can be used in further calculations.
Muldivo were the British importers and distributors. The machines were made by
the famous weapon manufacture Carl Walther GMBH
Larger image Donated by Ken Thompson
A1369
ADDO-X ELECTRIC ADDING MACHINE, 1960's
AB Addo Is a Company in Malmo Sweden, with a subsidiary in England, they

merged with a Company called Facit around 1968. This machine was probably
assembled in this country.
It will only add or subtract and can be used for old English money, or decimal.
Larger image A1335
PRECISA MECHANICAL CALCULATOR, 1950's
Mechanical calculating machine driven by three handles, Modell 117 Fabr. Nr.
353974 Made in Switzerland. Thanks to Kadri Balakci for identifying this model.
A1329
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OLYMPIA MECHANICAL CALCULATOR, 1960's
This is a copy of the original 'Brunsviger' calculator invented by E.T.Odhner in

1890. It is very heavy and quite complicated to use.
A0888
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OLIVETTI MECHANICAL CALCULATOR 'SUMMA PRIMA 20', 1960's
Italian Olivetti mechanical calculator popular in the 1960's. Prints on paper by

pulling handle down.
Donated by Mr Cambell
Larger image A0921
COMPTOMETER CALCULATOR, 1950's
The comptometer was invented by Dor Eugen Felt in the 1980's in America. Dorr
E Felt started his first prototype during the Thanksgiving holidays of 1884.
Because of his limited amount of money, he used a macaroni box for the outside
box, and skewers, staples, and rubber bands for the mechanism inside. This
prototype, called the macaroni box, is in the Smithsonian Institution in
Washington, D.C. Units like the one shown were leased in large numbers by
companies such as Sumloc Comptometer, who Purchased the rights in England in
1960, until electronic adding machines replaced them. See Item A1157. The
machines worked by adding only and other functions were completed by
progressive use of the keys.
Similar to the Sumlock machines leased by the bell Punch Company.
Not all Comptometers are of Bell Punch origin. Many were made and marketed by
others, whether Bell Punch had there own manufacturing base for there machines
is not clear. This model Model L.C. 912/SF/6069 of unknown manufacture could
Larger image have been made in America and imported, then leased (as they usually were) by
any number of companies.
This machine is Marked 'The London Computer Corporation'.
A0101
COMPTOMETER CALCULATOR 509/S, 1950's
This Model No 509/S/94.317 and models like this one were leased in large
numbers by companies such as Sumloc Comptometer, until electronic adding
machines replaced them. The machines worked by adding only and other
functions were completed by progressive use of the keys, ladies often complained
that the long strokes of pushing down the keys broke their finger nails. The curator
of this museum used this model when she worked at Marks and Spencer in the
1960's and had the reputation of being the quickest operator in the office. The
Plus and Sumlock are machines of the "Comptometer" type; the Sumlock being
the full-keyboard version and the Plus the abbreviated-keyboard version. They are
intended primarily for addition, but can also be used for subtraction, multiplication
and division using learned techniques.
The main feature of this type of machine is that it has a full-keyboard and is "key
driven", which means that pressing any key immediately adds the number on that
key to the number displayed in that column, with carrying to the next column
taking place where necessary.
The machine is designed so that keys in different columns can be pressed
simultaneously. This means to add the cost of several identical items the operator
arranges his or her fingers on the required keys and then depresses them all
simultaneously the number of times for the number of items. Working in this way
this type of machine is much faster than a 10-key type of machine where each
Larger image digit has to be entered successively.
In 1960, the Bell Punch Company bought the British rights to the Comptometer
design and trademark, and continued its development. In 1961, Sumlock, a
division of the Bell Punch Company, was renamed The Sumlock Comptometer
Ltd, and began marketing the first all-electronic desktop calculator, the ANITA
Mark VII. The entire calculator division of the Bell Punch Company was bought by
Rockwell International in 1973. Unfortunately they exited the calculator business in
1976 and shut down all operations.
Not all Comptometers are of Bell Punch origin. Many were made and marketed by
others; whether Bell Punch had their own manufacturing base for these machines
is not clear. See Item A1157.
A0786
SUMLOCK COMPTOMETER CALCULATOR MODEL 912/S , 1960's
In 1960 the Bell Punch Company gained the right to the name Comptometer from
the U.S. Comptometer Corporation.
This is Sterling currency Comptometer, with 10 � decades, shillings, and pence.
Note that the pence column does not have keys 1 to 11, only the standard number
of decimal keys (1 to 9) so to enter 10d or 11d the operator has to successively
press two keys to give the required figure.
The keyboard.
From left to right there are 9 columns of keys for Pounds, 2 columns of keys to
give up to 20 shillings, and one column of keys to give up to 12 pence (there are
only keys 1 to 9 so to enter 11 pence, for example, you have to press e.g. 5 and
then 6). The name Comptometer has become synonymous with this type of
calculator by whoever made them. In 1957 the Felt and Tarrant Manufacturing
Company changed its name to Comptometer Corporation and in 1960
Comptometer Corporation sold its UK operation, including the right to the
Comptometer name in Britain, to Control Systems Ltd, the parent of Bell Punch,
which merged it with its own company to form Sumlock-Comptometer.
Comptometer Corporation then contracted with Control Systems to have all its
Larger image machines made by Bell Punch in England and shipped back to the U.S.A. This
resulted in all Comptometer production ceasing in Chicago in 1961, and in
machines from Sumlock being marked with the Comptometer name. Although
these machines were very successful and thousands were sold, only a few
companies manufactured the "Comptometer" type of calculator. The main
manufacturers were Felt & Tarrant (later Victor Comptometer) and Burroughs in
the U.S.A., and Bell Punch in Britain.
A1456
ANITA CALCULATOR 1021, 1970
This calculator uses 10-digit "Nixie"-type tube display, and memory, In 1970 it cost
�431. With Square root capability. The electronics is similar to that of the Anita
1011. It uses mainly transistors, but also has integrated circuits made by Marconi-
Elliott Microelectronics using "MOST" (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Transistor)
technology. These machines were marketed by Sumlock-Comptomter in the UK.

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A1157
ABM ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR 312PD, 1970's
ABM electronic calculator of the 1960/70's with printer and illuminated display.
A0922
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CASIO PRINTING CALCULATOR, 1980's
Small Electronic Calculator with mechanical thermal printer. Model HR 10
A0920
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SINCLAIR 1st POCKET CACULATOR, 1973
Cambridge calculator, the first of seven calculators produced by the company.

This model was launched in August 1973 and cost �29.95 + VAT. Also in kit form
for �24.95. Weighing less than 3.5oz. Nowadays we can get calculators for
�1.00, how times change.
A0769
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EXACTUS POCKET CALCULATOR, 1955
A mechanical pocket calculator for addition and subtraction of pounds shillings

and pence. The calculator is made from pressed metal and enamelled in black
and silver. The calculator consists of eight columns of figures and operates by
using a stylus to move the metal slides inside each of the columns. When not in
use the stylus clips to the side of the calculating machine. The calculating machine
has a hinged metal panel that flips up when in subtraction mode and down when
in addition mode. At the top of the calculator there is a metal handle that also
functions to zero the calculator.
Larger image A1140
EMIDICTA DICTATION MACHINE MODEL 2400E, 1950's
Recorded magnetically on a flat disk of magnetic material this item was used as a
dictation machine.
The EMIdicta worked similar to a disc-cutting lathe but with a flat magnetic
recording disc. The head is in the arm above. The recording discs are made of the
same material as magnetic tape. Date of manufacture could be as early as 1948.

Larger image A1130
HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT DIVISION BELL, 1930's
Believed to be one of the bells connected to the Transmitter No2

(see Item No A0226) positioned in the Houses of Parliament, the transmitter was
activated when it was necessary to call the M.P's to the house when a vote was
needed.
The bells would be in all the bars and meeting places that the M.P's were likely to
be, if a vote was imminent then the members were obliged not to stray far from a
bell, usually no more than a mile away.
The local MP did say these were still to be seen in the House of Commons.
Larger image A1137
POST OFFICE TRANSMITTER NO.2, 1900's
It has been said that this transmitter was used to ring the Division Bell in the
Houses of Parliament and that one of the units was destroyed by a bomb during
the Second World War; this however is unit No 2 and is alive and well. Only five
units were made, so we believe.
When a plunger is pushed on the top of the unit the gears are turned thus winding
up a weight hanging below. The weight starts to fall turning the mechanism. At the
end of the gear line is an air type governor which controls the speed of fall; also
connected is a rocker controlling two contacts which change alternately; these
contacts are wired to terminals on the side of the unit

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A0226
GESTETNER DUPLICATOR, 1950's
At a young age Gestetner began to work at the stock market in Vienna. One of his
tasks was to make copies of the stock market activity at the end of the day by
copying the results over and over for each copy. He decided that there had to be a
better method, and his experiments eventually led him to invent the first method of
reproducing documents by use of a stencil.
Larger image A1139
DICTOGRAPH OFFICE INTERCOM, 1950's
When offices started to use the Dictograph, the main drawback of the system was
the need to install extensive wiring, and businesses were reluctant to change to
such an expensive system to replace their tried and tested speaking tubes.
Lamson Engineering was a major worldwide provider of office equipment at this
time, and added Dictograph to their range of products. The suggestion may have
come from Lamsons that Dictograph should rent their systems rather than sell
them outright, and spread the buyer's cost over many years. By 1908 Dictograph
systems rented from as little as five dollars and fifty cents a month for one master
console and five stations. It was not an original idea. Companies in England such
as General Electric had already launched into the rental market in the late 1890s ,
and the New System Private Telephone Company began in the late 1890s as well.
Telephone Rentals began in 1902.
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A1198
GRUNDIG EN3 DICTATION POCKET RECORDER AND TAPE, 1960's
The Grundig EN3 is an early attempt to put all the functions required of a voice
memo recorder in one box. It's a truly hand-held machine, somewhat larger than a
modern mobile phone.
The microphone is plugged directly into the top of the machine and includes an
integral recording level meter. The tape is controlled by a single red lever, just
visible in the photo on the left of the machine. The three AA batteries are hidden
under the tape cassette.
A1276
ADANA PRINTING PRESS, 1950's
Production of the range of Adana machines was between 1935 and the 1950's,
and the 'Adana Agency' was founded in 1922 in Twickenham by Donald Affleck
Aspinall Adana. All the machines were destined for the amateur market.
Up to 40 sheets can be printed on these machines in one minute by an

inexperienced operator, once the type has been placed and put onto the machine.
Type is held in place by a box frame called a 'Chase' using blank spacers called
'Quoins' to pack out the complete area. When printing rollers move up onto a
round disk covered in ink which revolves slightly on every press of the handle.
Once the ink is on the 'form' (the completed 'Chase') the bed holding the paper
('Platen') to be printed is pressed hard onto the 'Form' and then removed after the
handle returns to its rest position.
Larger image The 85 refers to the size of the flat bed on which the type set is placed - 8 x 5 inch.
This machine was made after 1953 and cost �16.80.
Donated by Mrs Kathleen Williams, this printing press belonged to Kathleen's late
husband, it was in constant use.
A0935
PHILIPS FLASH UNIT, 1950's
Philips Flash unit with an adaptor for the new PF1 cap-less flash bulb, shown in
the foreground, with the adaptor removed the unit takes a bayonet type bulb
(fitted). Together with the original Bijou 3volt battery's.
Donated by Mr T Angove

Larger image A1516
VICTORIAN WHOLE PLATE CAMERA, 1900's
Since 1851 professional photographers used these cameras in their studios, once
the process of glass plate negatives had been perfected. Other sizes of plate were
half and quarter plate which were used by wealthy amateurs because of their
convenient size.
A0716
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KODAK VEST POCKET CAMERA, 1914
This type of Camera was taken into the Battlefields during WW1. Up to 1916 all
photography on the front line was forbidden. The only pictures obtained were
smuggled out, the government was trying to prevent the people at home from
realising the true horrors. Later reporters and photography was accepted, these
cameras were small enough to conceal in a soldiers kit, and were common for the
time.

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A0456
KODAK VEST POCKET CAMERA MODEL 'B', 1930's
Following on from the Model B this version is the same physical size the bellows
folds out instead of pulling out as in the model A. It uses 127 roll film.
A1546
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WW1 STEREOSCOPE
When viewed through a stereoscope pictures appear as 3D.To create this effect
two pictures are taken with a dual camera (Stereo) at the same time. The photos
shown here are of images taken during the First World War, they can be viewed
with this device.
Larger image A0999
PATHESCOPE BABY CINE CAMERA, 1926
Cine Camera where the developed films would be shown on Projector item
A0906.
9.5 mm film is an amateur film format introduced by Path� Fr�res in 1922 as
part of the Path� Baby amateur film system. It was conceived initially as an
inexpensive format to provide copies of commercially-made films to home users,
although a simple camera was released shortly afterwards.
It became very popular in Europe over the next few decades and is still used by a
small number of enthusiasts today. Over 300,000 projectors were produced and
sold mainly in France and England, and many commercial features were available
in the format.
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A1108
VAN NECK PRESS CAMERA, 1940's
Van Neck Press camera originally from the 1940's with Kodak wooden Dark slide
unit containing room for two 9 X12cm (4.25X5.25 inch) glass plates. The camera
has a 6'' (roughly 152mm) Ross Xpress lens f/4.5 uncoated in a lever-operated
helical focusing mount, which is scaled from 2 to infinity in yards, the roller blind
focal plane shutter has speeds from 1/10 to 1/1000 sec, plus a flash sync setting.
On the top is a bracket for a folding reflector flash unit using a small flash bulb,
and the connection is via two contact strips next to the flash bracket. These were
hand made cameras heavy and durable, necessary for professional press
photographers who carried no gadgets to help them with the shot distance and
exposure, which were decided by experience. Even when a roll film attachment
was provided for this camera the press photographer would still prefer the glass
plates, as his darkroom was set up for these. On the back interchangeable with
Larger image the slide unit, is mounted a screen and hood assembly used for focusing if
necessary.
A1478
KOBOLD BC FLASH, 1960's
In a period when the old Edison screw type flash bulbs were being replaced with
the new miniature cap less types this unit was introduced to cope with both. With
the added advantage of a capacitor to ensure guaranteed success, also a test
light is provided which provides a sharp flash if the bulb and battery is in good
order. A range of cables can be supplied to fit most types of camera. This unit has
an old type bulb fitted and the new type with its adaptor in the foreground. Shown
fitted to the Van Neck Press camera Item A1478.
A1479
FLASH BULB, 1950's
Early Flash Bulb, this has an Edison screw type cap. Instead of Magnesium wool
this one uses Magnesium foil.
A1019
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MAGNESIUM FLASH BULBS, 1960's
Two Plug in Flash bulbs for domestic camera flash attachments.

Later versions removed the expensive bayonet cap, and replaced it with a plain
glass base with two wires bent back to form a connection into a soft socket.
See Item A0950.
Larger image A0714
THORNTON- PICKARD JUNIOR SPECIAL, CAMERA, 1928
The Thornton Pickard Junior Special Reflex Camera is a folding SLR for 3 1/2 � 4
1/2 " plates or roll film back.
It has a fast focal plane shutter with speeds from 1/10 to 1/1000 sec., and a fast 6"
f4.5 lens. The lens may be a Ross Xpress or a Taylor-Hobson Cooke Anastigmat.
The camera is made of wood, covered with leather, and it has a revolving back.
It's a heavy camera, weighing about 3 kg.

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A1312
ZEISS IKON BABY BOX CAMERA 54/18, 1930's
Baby box cameras were started by Goerz in the 1930's and later taken over by
Zeiss Ikon called the Tengor. Very popular with the masses as they were cheap
and easy to use. This one is a 54/18 model with the Goerz lens, the shutter cannot
be released unless the wire viewfinder is raised. Used 127 roll film.
A1439
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KODAK BOX , 1930's
�Brownie� was the name of a long-running and extremely popular series of

simple and inexpensive cameras made by Kodak, the first Brownie was introduced
in 1900 and was made of cardboard, as is this one.
The Brownie popularized low-cost photography and introduced the concept of the
snapshot.

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A0727
KODAK 'BABY BROWNIE', 1934
This was a later version of the �Box Brownie� A0727.
Kodak's Baby Brownie camera had a plastic Bakelite body instead of the metal
one usually found on the Brownie range. It also had a folding range finder on the
top and a rotary shutter.
This model of camera was produced in the USA between 1934 and 1941.

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A1040
ZEISS IKON IKONTA BABY CAMERA 520/18, 1936
The 520/18 is commonly referred to as the "Baby Ikonta". Apparently it was

available from about 1932 until 1936. It was available with a 50/6.3 Novar, 50/4.5
Novar or 50/4.5 Tessar initially, and in 1936 with either a 50/3.5 Tessar or 50/3.5
Novar. These were very small and pocket-able, measuring only 4 inches (100mm)
by 1.15 inch (30mm). Most examples found today show wear to the black paint
trim, with the exposed metal showing signs of rust, from being carried around.

Larger image A1438
KODAK HAWKEYE ACE DE LUXE, CAMERA, 1938
This camera is slightly smaller than the Box Brownie, notice the metal frame to
line up the shot.
A1041
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ENSIGN FUL-VUE CAMERA, 1950
Getting away from the box style the ensign Ful-Vue of 1950 was modern in design
and became very popular, replacing an earlier type of identical design but with a
metal lens plate. Using 120 roll film, and nothing more than a simple shutter with a
large reflector type viewfinder, it did however have an adjustable lens working
from just 3 feet to infinity.
Donated by Mr & Mrs Jons
A1363
KODAK , 1950's
The Kodak Brownie Six-20 was a viewfinder folding camera for making 6x9cm
exposures on type No. 620 film rolls. There were two models, the first was
produced in the UK by Kodak Ltd from 1937-1940 and the second from 1948-
1954

Larger image A1330
KODAK BROWNIE FLASH 2 CAMERA AND CASE, 1957
The Kodak Brownie Flash II, III and IV were box cameras, taking 2� � 3�"
exposures on type 620 film. Construction was of sheet metal, with plastic shutter-
release button and advance knob; they were made by Kodak Ltd. in England from
1957-1960. The Brownie 2 has a close up lens position and 'B' (held) shutter
facility.They were improved versions of the Brownie Models C, D, E, and F. Each
was synchronised for flash with Kodak's screw-and-pin flash fitting on the opposite
side to the controls. Fitted with Brownie Flash 5 unit. And pack of AG1 bulbs. The
flash battery type B155 is also shown.
A1449
KODAK 'BROWNIE 127', 1950's
This was another example of the �Brownie� series, it is made of Bakelite and
was very easy to use.
Millions were sold between 1952 and 1967, the one shown was donated to the
museum by its curator Rosie Hourihane, and was given to her by her father in
1955.
It has been well used and is still much loved.
A0728
ZORKI 4K 55mm CAMERA, 1950's
Zorki (Russian: Зоркий, meaning sharp-sighted) is the name of a series of 35mm

range finder cameras manufactured in the Soviet Union between 1948 and 1978.
Zorki was a product of the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Factory (KMZ), which also
produced the Zenit single lens reflex camera (SLR). The first Zorki cameras were
inexpensive Leica II copies just like the FED

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A1361
POLAROID 340 LAND CAMERA, 1969
The Polaroid Camera was invented in 1947 by Edwin Herbert Land (1909 �
1991)
Film for the Polaroid Cameras went out of production in 2007.
Edwin Land also invented the first inexpensive filters capable of polarizing light.
In the 1950�s Land helped design the optics that went into the Lockhead U.2 Spy
Plane.
A1126
KODAK STERLING 2, CAMERA, 1955
Similar in style to the Kodak Junior I and II, this camera is slightly more
sophisticated with its front-cell focusing lens in a four speed shutter with fully
adjustable iris.
A1279
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POLAROID LAND 1000 CAMERA , 1977
The Land Camera 1000 is a foreign-markets version of the original Onestep

model, meaning it has a fixed focus plastic lens. The model 1000 or original
OneStep models are distinguished among the range in that they were made
available with 2 different coloured shutter buttons - either green or red, a matching
electronic flash was also released for the Onestep/1000 model, shown on top of
the camera known as the Q-Light. It fits onto any SX-70 non-folding camera
model, but was cosmetically matched to the original models. Also shown is a
blank photo.
A1282
COSINA AF 35mm CAMERA, 1980's
Small pocket 35mm camera of the early 1980's. Many cameras were produced
like this during this period, all with fixed lens and built in flash, with a short range
of just 10 to 15 feet.

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A1360
POLAROID , 1970's
There were a variety of models beginning in 1972 with the original SX-70, though
all shared the same basic design. The first model, sold in Florida in late 1972, had
a plain focusing screen (the user was expected to be able to see the difference
between in- and out-of focus) because Dr. Land wanted to encourage
photographers to think they were looking at the subject, rather than through a
viewfinder. When many users complained that focusing was difficult, especially in
dim light, Dr. Land was forced to include a split-image range finder prism of the
kind used on 35mm SLR focusing screens. This feature is standard on the SX-70
Model 2.
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A0834
ZENIT E RUSSIAN CAMERA, 1960's
These cameras had a selenium photo cell meter built in, (for reference only) and
were fully single lens reflex. When other SLR's were costing hundreds of pounds
Dixons were selling them for just �30.
These were made with a metal body, therefore were very hard wearing.
Larger image A0717
LITTLE PRINCESS FLASH UNIT, 1960's
Uses 1 X 22.5 Volt hearing aid battery. These were sold as a separate item, not
like nowadays when the flash is built into the camera.
A0950
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OLYMPUS TRIP 35mm CAMERA, 1984
Olympus Trip 35mm Camera Purchased 23/06/1984.
A0929
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KODAK 50 INSTAMATIC, 1963
Common cartridge film pocket camera, The very first 126 camera ever to be
marketed, the Instamatic 50 was introduced in the UK in February of 1963, a
month before the Instamatic 100 hit the market. Indication inside the case states
that this one was made in England.They were very easy to use, just point and
click.

Larger image A0206
HANIMAX 110 CAMERA, 1960's
Hanimax Pocket Camera for a 110 size cartridge film. Also shown is the flash unit
used with the camera.
Larger image A0826
MINOLTA DISC-7 CAMERA, 1983
The Minolta Disc-7 Camera was one of a series of compact camera types that
appeared around the 1980's, working with a disc of 15 exposures in a cover, once
loaded the frame is advanced (turned) to the first frame, if the disc is removed
before being fully exposed a frame is lost, but the other frames are still kept. The
Camera has an internal battery that can only be changed by the Manufacturer, on
the front is a curved mirror for self portrait use, it has two shutter speeds, built in
flash and self timer, and f2.8 lens at 12.5mm focal length fixed focus with Macro
mode. Exposure is automatic.
Donated by Sandra Taylor

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A1364
MINOLTA POCKET AUTO PACK 70, 1973
This camera takes a 16mm film cartridge, and uses magicubes,multi flash cubes,
as shown. A very useful pocket size, made this camera very popular in the 70's.
A1281
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FLASH CUBES, 1960's
Two forms of Flash Cubes each with 4 flashes, they have two different mounting
sockets for use with different types of camera.
A0718
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VICTORIAN MAGIC LANTERN, 1900's
The large lens suggests that the magic lantern was used in theatres as it would
need to be positioned a great distance from the screen. Illumination was by
Carbon Arc (a high voltage such as ordinary mains voltage jumping between two
carbon rods; a device was later incorporated to prevent overload). The slides were
standard three and a quarter inch glass plates, often hand painted, or transparent
positive photographs.
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A0119
OPTIMUS MAGIC LANTERN, 1920's
The Magic Lantern or Lanterna Magica was the ancestor of the modern slide
projector.
In the 19th century a thriving trade of projectionists travelled around the United
Kingdom with their magic lanterns and a large number of slides to put on shows in
towns and villages. Some of the slides came with special effects, by means of
extra sections that could slide or rotate across the main plate. One of the most
famous of these, very popular with children, was The Rat Swallower, where a
series of rats would be seen leaping into a sleeping man's mouth. During the
Napoleonic wars, a series was produced of a British ship's encounter with a
French navy ship, ending patriotically with the French ship sinking in flames,
accompanied by the cheers of the audience. The museum is able to demonstrate
this Magic Lantern and is a great favourite with school children.
Larger image This item is working in the Museum.
A0121
MAGIC LANTERN, 1930's
This Magic Lantern has an electric lamp mounted inside that looks original,
although it is possible it may have been converted by a professional from an
earlier oil lamp. The Magic Lantern or Lanterna Magica was the ancestor of the
modern slide projector.
The museum is able to demonstrate one of their Magic Lanterns and is always a
great hit with school visits, the children can also handle some of the glass slides.

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A1232
ELECTRIC FILM STRIP PROJECTOR, 1930's
This is a toy film projector with three small films. The films contained still pictures
which had to be manually past behind the lens one picture at a time. A very
sophisticated toy for the time.
A1269
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JOHNSONS NO 12 PROJECTOR OPTISCOPE, 1940's
Slide Projector for three and quarter inch slides, in the photo you can see an extra
lens.
A0881
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GNOME ALPHAX MAJOR SLIDE PROJECTOR, 1970's
Photographic slide projector for single slides, two and one quarter inch square.
A0939
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PATHESCOPE, 1930's
In Britain, 9.5 mm film, projectors and cameras were distributed by Pathescope

Ltd. During the years leading up to the Second World War, and for some years
after the war, the gauge was used by enthusiasts who wanted to make home
movies and to show commercially made films at home. Pathescope produced a
large number of home versions of significant films, including Mickey Mouse and
Betty Boop cartoons, classic features such as Alfred Hitchcock's Blackmail, and
comedies by such well-known stars as Laurel and Hardy and Harold Lloyd

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A0906
PAILLARD 9.5mm PROJECTOR & POWER UNIT OF 1932, 1930's
The Paillard Model �P� was introduced in 1932 and 9.5mm Film was introduced
by Pathe� Freres in 1922 for the amateur market. Initially intended as an
inexpensive means of providing commercially made films for the home.
It became very popular in Europe over the following decades, and more than
300,000 projectors including the Model �P� were sold in England and France,
and many well known films produced in the 9.5mm format.
The film has a single perforation (sprocket hole) between each frame, unlike 8mm
film which has holes along the edge. The single hole allows more room for the
image, which is almost as large as on 16mm film. The width of 9.5 mm was
chosen because three strips of film could be made from one strip of 35 mm film.
This was useful when the films needed to be copied, as only one third of the
length was needed then the 35mm copy could be cut into three strips and the
Larger image sprocket holes added later.
Donated by David Martin
A1531
6 X 9.5mm FILMS ON 170mm REELS, 1950's
Various 9.5mm films on 170mm reels including cartoons Mickey Mouse, Popeye
and Charlie Chaplin films.
Donated by David Martin
Larger image A1530
BOLEX PAILLARD H16 CINE CAMERA, 1935
The company E Paillard was founded in 1814 and produced watch movements
and musical box mechanisms. It wasn�t until 1922 that they introduced the Pathe
Baby film system using 9.5mm film. In 1928 the first 16mm camera under the
name of Bolex was produced.
This model was made in 1952.

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A0932
BELL AND HOWELL 624B 8MM CINE CAMERA, 1950's
Bell & Howell 624 cine cameras were manufactured in Britain by the Cine and
Photographic Division of Rank Precision Industries Ltd. The original design was
evolved by the Bell & Howell Co. of Chicago U.S.A. and although the American
model numbers were different, the cameras had similar specifications.
The 624 cameras were made of light alloy, with winding handle and footage
indicator on the right, spool chamber on the left and starting button on the front
right-hand corner.
The knob provides for single frames, normal intermittent or continuous running.
This camera is a 624 Evolution Sundial model. It was first introduced into Britain in
1955. It has a single 10mm. lens with the aperture coupled to an exposure
calculating dial on the camera front. In this way, exposure is set directly to the light
conditions.
Larger image Separate optical adaptors were made available for the camera, for converting the
standard lens to wide-angle and telephoto roles
A0205
AMPRO IMPERIAL PROJECTOR, 1950's
This Projector uses a 16mm film, and is made by Simplex Ampro Ltd. The
museum has several 16mm films, they are very fragile.
A0106
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EIKI ELF PROJECTOR, 1980's
This 16mm Projector was used at Dacorum Collage Hemel Hempstead up until
2005, it was found discarded in a skip, by a local friend of the Museum, he
recovered it and donated it to the museum, we know him as bearded John.
A0941
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BELL & HOWELL CINE CAMERA, 1950's
Bell & Howell 624 cine cameras were manufactured in Britain by the Cine and
Photographic Division of Rank Precision Industries Ltd. The original design was
evolved by the Bell & Howell Co. of Chicago U.S.A. and although the American
model numbers were different, the cameras had similar specifications.
The 624 cameras were made of light alloy, with winding handle and footage
indicator on the right, spool chamber on the left and starting button on the front
right-hand corner. The knob provides for single frames, normal intermittent or
continuous running. There was a tripod bush in the base with a standard 1/4 in.
Whitworth thread.
This camera is a 624 EE model. It was first introduced into Britain in the 1950's. It
Larger image has a single 10mm. lens, also shown is an 8 mm film, this item is in excellent
condition and the leather case is hardly marked.
A1280
SMITHS DARKROOM TIMER, 1950's
Well known wind up photographic darkroom timer used throughout the 1950's.
A0112
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SONY U-MATIC VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER MODEL VO-1810, 1970's
The worlds first Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) was the Sony VP1100 launched
in 1971, using Sony's new U-Matic Cassette ('U' indicates the way it wraps round
the head drum), this was prior to Betamax or VHS types which would come later,
this first machine, the VP1100, was playback only it could not record. It was
however designed for the domestic market, having wooden sides to the cabinet
and playing pre-recorded tapes, just like today’s DVD's, this model was eventually
replaced by the machine in our picture, the Vo-1810 which had recording
capability but no internal TV tuner which was available later. Again designed for
the domestic market, but at around £600 pounds sterling few could afford it, the
machines would also be used by professional companies using a separately
purchased video camera. The unit is over 600mm wide and weighs over 35Kg.
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Kindly donated by the Design Museum London
A1592
SONY TRINICON CAMERA, 1980's
A hand held camera Type HVC3000P for connection to a VCR, These cameras
were connected with portable Betamax VCRs and used in the semi professional
field such as high schools colleges and businesses and possibly low budget
broadcasts.
Larger image A1378
SONY REEL TO REEL VIDEO RECORDER, 1969
DV-2400 Reel to Reel Video Recorder. Known as the Portapak Video Rover,
black and white Video recorder. With a maximum recording time of 20 minutes,
the Sony �Video Rover� DV-2400 was one of the very first portable video tape
recorder available to the general public. Sony Notes Below.
SONY CV-2400 Portapak
The Portable Battery Operated non EIAJ Skip Field
1967
Sony introduces the world's first portable VTR, the DV-2400.
The VIDEO ROVER, was the first video portapack. it offered the format of the time
which was B/W, skip field, Pre-EIAJ, 1/2 inch tape, reel to reel. This first unit was a
record ONLY portapak VTR outfit. Recording time was 20 minutes on 4-1/2 inch
reel of 1/2 inch videotape. streamlined for size and weight you were provided a
small hand crank that stored in the units lid for rewinding the tape!
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Playback of tapes from this unit (after they were hand rewound) was
accomplished on the CV-2000 series decks.
A1379
REVOX TAPE RECORDER G36, 1963
In 1963 Several new distributors join Studer to market the Swiss tape recorders in
many different countries. Production start of the famous Revox G36. It was sold to
the UK market under the name of "Revox 736".
Reel to Reel Recorders using valves, and designed for semi-professional use in
1963 it cost 124 Guineas The REVOX 736 (G36) is a mono/stereo machine with
stacked erase heads, separate recording heads separate replay heads, six audio
pre-amplifiers. and a push/pull power amplifier. Tape speeds of 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 .i.
p. s. are obtained by pole-changing the synchronous Papst capstan motor. Twin-
track and four-track models are available, both fully stereo phonic, recording to the
latest C.C.I.R. (DIN 45113) characteristic
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A1323
PHLLIPS EL315/15 TAPE RECORDER, 1960's
Popular tape recorder of the 1960's using 5inch reels of magnetic tape supplied
with a crystal microphone.
A0380
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KYOTO S600 8 TRACK STEREO PLAYER, 1980's
The original format for magnetic tape sound reproduction was reel-to-reel audio
tape recording, first made widely available in the late 1940s. However, threading
tape into the recorders was more difficult than simply putting a disc record onto a
phonograph player. Manufacturers introduced a succession of cartridges which
held the tape inside a metal or plastic housing to eliminate handling. The first was
RCA Victor, which in 1958 introduced a cartridge system called Sound Tape or
Magazine Cartridge Loading, but until the introduction of the Compact Cassette in
1963 and Stereo 8 in 1965, none were very successful.
A1277
GRAMDECK CONVERSION FROM RECORD DECK TO TAPE RECORDER,

1950's
This was placed on the turntable of a standard record player with a 78rpm, a small
peg was mounted on the gramophone deck which located into the gramdec base
to hold it steady. The cable attached was connected to the pre-amplifier supplied,
and this was in turn connected to an audio power amplifier. A microphone was
supplied which could be used via the pre-amplifier for recording. Cost 39 gns,
RRP when first introduced.

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A1118
ELIZABETHAN TAPE RECORDER DELUX WITH COLLARO DECK, 1961
Early "Elizabethan" Tape Recorder using a well known Collaro Tape deck.
A1129
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STANDARD TINY PAL RECORDER, 1960's
Early pre Cassette recorder for domestic use, although it states Double Track it is
not stereo, it simply refers to the possibility of turning the tape over.
A0166
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SONY WALKMAN, 1980's
Portable cassette player that was small enough to fit into a pocket, famous from
1979.
A0928
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AGAPHONE WIRE RECORDER, 1950's
Wire recorders were invented in Denmark by Valdimar Poulson for an answering

machine in 1898 called a Telegraphone, but were not developed for any other
practical purpose at the time. Ten years later a company in America made a
successful dictation machine. They were quickly made obsolete by magnetic tape
machines.
Although this machine carries the trade name Agaphone, this unit was certainly
made by another company
A0100
WEBSTER CHICAGO WIRE RECORDER MODEL 180-1 of 1949
Formed in 1914 the Webster Electrical Corp specialised in consumer Audio

products up until the 1960's. The Chicago Model 180-1 Electronic Memory wire
recorder of 1949 used 0.0036-inch Stainless steel wire travelling at 24 inches per
second past a head moving vertically to spread the wire evenly on to the take up
spool. The Quality on some models was exceptionally good. In 1952 Webster
started production on tape machines, and also started using the trade name
Webcor. Webster ceased trading in the 1960's due to competition from foreign
imports.
Donated by Jonathan Bell

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A1537
BOOSEY & HAWKS WIREK TYPE 'A' WIRE RECORDER , 1945
Boosey and Hawkes stopped making machines and only produced sheet music
after this model.
Valdemar Poulsen, a Danish inventor developed the "Telegraphone" between
1898 -1900 this was a magnetic method using steel wire
Wire recorders were developed in the period from 1900 to the late 1940s, but they
were produced only in very small quantities.
They were used by BBC journalists during WWII.
The peak of the wire recorder's short commercial life came in 1948 and 1949.
A0973
WIRE RECORDER No2 IN CONTAINER, 1940's
Wire for use on wire recorders which were used before tape recording was
invented in Germany during WW2. See Item A0973 and A1537.
A1529
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SIMON SOUND SP/2 REEL TO REEL TAPE RECORDER, 1957
Simon Sound Service Ltd London W1. This was used with the ribbon microphone
Item A0934.
Donated by Mr P Holmes
A0933
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FERROGRAPH SERIES 6 REEL TO REEL TAPE RECORDER, 1960's
The Ferrograph was semi professional machine seen many times in films and
used by the BBC.
This version of the Series 6 is a half track stereo machine with 8.25 inch reels and
using standard 1/4 inch tape. A quarter track version was available. It had three
motors, two used for fast forward, rewind and back tension and one, a split phase
capacitor induction motor, for the flywheel and capstan. This type of motor is
almost immune to small variations in voltage or load and is controlled by the mains
frequency after reaching its synchronous speed. Three speeds were provided 7.5,
3.75, and 1.125 inches/second. It was extremely heavy using valve amplification
and built on a sturdy frame.
Larger image The companies Wright and Weare first produced machines in the late forties and
eventually introduced the famous Wearite deck seen here
A0781
NEVILES AUTOMATIC BATTERY SWITCH, 1938
The switch is connected between a large power supply and a rack of batteries to
be charged (usually lead acid). The large coil will release the armature when the
batteries are fully charged, this will be when the current to the batteries is low
enough to release the armature to the coil, the arm will rise at this point removing
the fingers which are dipped into two cups filled with Mercury and will interrupt the
current to the cells of the batteries.
A1573
DAN BUOY, 1950's
Usually connected to a life belt or similar rescue device. When thrown overboard
the float rights itself in the water turning upright with the lamp visible, a gravity
switch inside the Brass tube brings the lamp on, indicating the position of the life
ring or belt. The tube takes size 'D' batteries. The glass dome over the lamp is
missing.
Item moved from the Mysteries section.

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A1580
VEHICLE IGNITION COIL, 1930's
Induction or Vibrator Coil which we think is an early ignition coil, there are no
makers marks. Produces a healthy 15mm spark from 12 volts. Nothing more is
known about this coil.
Larger image A1533
C.A.V. 6 VOLT 18 WATT VEHICLE BULB, 1940
Vehicle light bulb 6 Volt 18 Watt with single point bayonet fitting, distributed by
C.A.V. and made by Royal Ediswan Type 723. With original box.
Larger image A1511
NMC VEHICLE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, 1950's
Attaches to the dash of your car, and wired to the fuse box. The compartment is
filled with cigarettes and closed, when a cigarette is needed, a button is pressed
on the right which warms a small element wired around a Mica strip on the left,
when the cigarette starts to glow it is removed and consumed. How the next
cigarette does not ignite before the element has cooled is not clear, but it is
assumed that this does not happen.

A1509
THE 'NOBBY' UNDER CAR HEATER, 1930's
During the fist 40 years of motoring cars would be difficult to start on cold frosty
mornings, one solution was to leave a small heater under the engine overnight,
just enough to keep the frost away. This is the solution 'The Nobby Under Car
Heater' with a fine mesh to prevent fire, the car would usually start eventually.
A1458
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'SET RIGHT' FARE REGISTER TICKET MACHINE, 1950's
Bus Conductors Ticket Machine for the Glasgow Bus Company used up until the
Conductors on buses were removed, and replaced with drivers/fare collectors.
Pat No. 343119/5869
Larger image A0831
1906-1920, VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION BOARD, 1906's
Demonstration board with ignition switch, ammeter light switch, headlamp marked
CAV dated 1906, rear lamp, side lamp, two trafficators and working spark plug
with generator, and model distributor. Also a Delarelle cigarette lighter.
This board can be demonstrated, the trafficators are the most popular item, and
always invoke very happy memories from our visitors.
A1179
CAR CUT OUT 6 VOLTS, 1930's
This is a small relay to disconnect the car battery when the dynamo is not running,
this would prevent the battery discharging through the dynamo.
A0327
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VIBRATOR UNIT FOR POWER SUPPLY, 1950's
The vibrator unit was used to increase the battery voltage of a vehicle to the high
tension voltages needed to work valves.Together with a step up transformer,
voltages in excess of 100 volts could be obtained. Units like this were common in
Car Radios and Military Transceivers of the period. The unit has been cut away to
show the contacts and coil inside.

Larger image A0325
BOSCH SPARK PLUG, 1914
Early spark plug for Petrol Engines.
A0326
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SIRRAM ELECTRIC CAR KETTLE, 1950's
Electric Kettle part of a picnic set, working from 12 volts and connected to a
standard cigarette lighter socket in the car.
A1238
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BREVETEE CAR HORN, 1900's
Early vehicle horn with a diaphragm mounted at the bottom of a shallow horn,
driven by a 6 volt coil and a circuit breaker.
This item can be demonstrated, along with a number of other vehicle items.
A1217
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WWII LUCAS HEAD LAMP COVER
Covers for car headlamps were made compulsory during Wartime. All the light
was not only reduced but also directed downwards.
Larger image A1173
CARBIDE LAMP, 1930's
A small tablet Calcium Carbide CaC2 is placed in the reservoir in the base, tap
water is placed in a chamber above, this is released onto the tablet, on contact
with water the tablet will fizz producing acetylene gas, C2H2 which is ignited at the
burner. The rate of flow of the water can be controlled to give varying amounts of
light. When the tablet has been exhausted the unit has to be cleaned before being
reused.
A0214
VICTORIAN CARRIAGE LAMP
Probably for use with a candle, although the holder is missing, and has been
replaced with a miniature bayonet cap lamp holder.
Larger image A1209
UNDER CAR HEATER, 1930's
Car heater placed near the engine to prevent frost.
A1174
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FORD IGNITION COIL OR VIBRATOR COIL (BUZZ COIL), 1920's
Henry Ford was 40 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which
would go on to become one of the world's largest and most profitable companies,
as well as being one to survive the Great Depression.
These coils used on the model 'T' were possibly made by a sub contractor to
Fords the K-W Ignition Company 32 Power Avenue Cleveland Ohio, or the
Kokomo Electric co, this particular version was made between 1917 and 1919 and
cost $1.29 1n the 1920's. One coil per cylinder was needed, the timing achieved
by a contacts on the cam shaft, later one master coil with vibrator and three
additional slave coils were used. The connections on the side are studs so that the
unit can be slide into a box with spring connections, and are marked (top) 'B'
Battery 'S' Spark, and on the end 'T' for Timing. All coils were powered by 6 volts,
from a dry battery as chargeable types were not yet commercially available, or by
a Magneto Generator, also made by K-W among others. The coil design dates
back to 1902 when Ed Huff assisted Ford with his ignition problems used on
Larger image
earlier vehicles.
A1283
PYE MARINE DOLPHIN 2 RADIO TELEPHONE OF 1948, 1956
Developed after WW2 to assist small craft with communications. The fist model
was the Dolphin PTC110 in 1948, the design was based on the Wireless Set
No19, and it used a rotary converter to create the high tension voltages just as in
the WS19. Using 5 miniature valves and 4 GT base types, it had a frequency
range of 1520-3800 KHz and operating from 12-24 volts DC. This unit was made
in 1956
Kindly Donated by Phoebe Frost
Inside View

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A1598
PYE P75 WIRELESS, 1953
The Pye P75 is a five valve (including the rectifier) 3-band table set in a wooden
cabinet and working from AC mains. The short range is 16.3-51.8 metres. The
valves used are:- ECH42 - EF41 - EBC41 - EL41 and EZ41. the cost in 1953 was
�15-02-1d plus Purchase Tax.
Larger image A0959
PHILCO MODEL 444 'PEOPLES SET', 1936
Made in 1936 and known as 'The Peoples Set' housed in a Bakelite cabinet, and
is similar to the wooden cabinet version known as the model 269. They both have
4-valves including the rectifier and are powered by 200-250v AC mains. Model
269 also came as a console and radiogram version. Valves used in both sets are:-
6A7 - 78E - PENDD61 and 80. The model 444 in 1936 cost �6-6s-6d.

Larger image A1549
HMV MODEL 1121 WIRELESS, 1950
The HMV model 1121 is a 4-band five valve (including the rectifier) Superhet set
operating from AC mains. The bands are MW LW and two short wave bands
which are 50-187m and 16-50 metres. Two export versions were available each
with five wave bands; these were the 5111 and 5112 models having no LW band
and extra short wave bands. The valves used are:- X78 - W77 - DH77 - KT61 and
U10. In September 1950 was �23-02-00d Plus Purchase Tax.

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A1460
WW2 HRO MARCONI WORKERS WIRELESS (RADIO), 1940's
Made during WW2 for factory workers possibly at Chelmsford and assembled
from a National HRO chassis. The tuning gearbox and chassis is black indicating
an early HRO, also the crystal section and I.F. coils are original. Instead of a plug
in coil section a permanent set of coils has been installed behind a blank panel, a
wave change switch is included for Long and Medium wave only. The set might
have been made by an employee of Marconi as there is no Manufacturers mark
although the set is professionally made, only a large 'M' across the speaker. It was
donated to the Museum with verbal provenance relating to its origin. No other
information is known.
Donated by Marconi Museum
A1366
ROBERTS R66 MAINS BATTERY VALVE PORTABLE WIRELESS, 1956
The Roberts Model R66 has a Ferrite rod internal aerial and is a 2 band 4 valve
portable which can be operated from All Dry batteries or AC mains. Wavebands
covered are 182-580 Meters and 900-2000 Metres. In April 1956 it cost �13-19-
6d Batteries and Purchase Tax Extra.
Larger image A1340
EVER READY SKY KING PORTABLE WIRELESS, 1956
The Sky Queen was for the Ladies, the Sky King for the gent's. Medium and Long
wave only it used an internal frame aerial, and the Battery was an Ever Ready
B136 (combined HT 90v & LT 1.5v). Valves used are:- DK96 - DF96 - DAF96 and
DL96. The price in June 1956 was �10 - plus taxes and batteries
Larger image A1339
EVER READY SKY BARONET PORTABLE RADIO, 1958
Ever Ready made portable wirelesses until 1968 when they reverted to making
batteries only, this model was made in 1958. The Sky Baronet followed the Sky
Princess and has a similar lid to the case but employed a Printed circuit chassis,
instead of a hand wired metal type. Valves used are:- DK96 - DF96 - DAF96 and
DL96. Price in 1958 was �14-7s-3d (included batteries and taxes)

Larger image A1338
EVER READY SKY PRINCESS PORTABLE RADIO, 1956
Ever Ready made portable wirelesses until 1968 when they reverted to making
batteries only, this model was made in July 1956. Using a ferrite rod internal
aerial, a 2 band All Dry battery portable with 4 valves, the wavebands are 192-550
Metres and 1040-1765 metres. The valves used were:- DK96 - DF96 - DAF96 and
DL96. Cost in 1956 was �10-10s Batteries and Purchase Tax extra.

Larger image A1337
PHILCO TORCH RADIO MODEL 3782, 1956
Philco portable mains battery valve Radio of 1956, has a plastic case with a torch
embedded in the tuning knob on the side. The sales literature states ''Powerful
built in torch. 3 Bands Long Medium and Maritime. Choice of four colours. AC/DC
Mains operation. Cost in 1956 18 Gns Tax Paid''. Uses four miniature valves,
DK92, DF91, DAF91, DL94.

Larger image A1334
WIRELESS LICENCE, 1930
The British Broadcasting Company Ltd was a British commercial company formed
on 18 October 1922 by British and American electrical companies doing business
in the United Kingdom and licensed by the British General Post Office.
On 31 December 1926, the company was dissolved and its assets were
transferred to the non-commercial and Crown Chartered British Broadcasting
Corporation.
The BBC had to be paid for by public subscription ie listeners were required an
annual licence.
All manufactures were legally bound to obtain a licence from the Post Master
General, before producing their Wireless Sets.
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The licence shown was issued to Thomas George Morris Asquith 93 Vale of
Heath Road, Port Tenarth, on the 15 of January 1930, Cost 10 Shillings.
A0149
HMV COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE, 1937
Hallmarked silver plaque given to 'The Totland Bay Garage' in 1937 to:
"Commemorate your association with "His Masters Voice" during Coronation

Year".
A1046
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BREADBOARD TYPE PORTABLE WIRELESS SET BCM/CWC, 1920's
Portable receiver of unknown make marked BCM/CWC, built on a wooden board

and hand wired known as breadboard construction, although portable it required
three batteries HT, LT, and Grid Bias, with a good aerial and earth.
Internal view of the wireless
A1182
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'VULCAN' 2 VALVE BREADBOARD WIRELESS SET, 1925
Breadboard wireless with 2 valves, it requires headphones or High Impedance

speaker for listening and three batteries, it would also require at least one hundred
feet of aerial and a good earth.
Made by J.G.Graves,Hallamgate Works, Crookes Rd, Sheffield ,South Yorkshire,

in 1925. The radio was called the 'VULCAN' and came complete
with 90volt HT battery, 2volt accumulator, Grid Bias battery, Loudspeaker, Aerial
cable with insulators,rope halyard and pulley, and lead-in tube (all missing) and
connecting leads, all for �7-17-6d
A1199
CLYNE RADIO SUPERIOR 4 WIRELESS SET, 1966
Supplied as a kit, complete with instruction book and original receipt.

Cost �6-9s-6d PT 2s-6d
A0152
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BRANDSET 2 CANADIAN BRANDS WIRELESS, 1924
Two valve TRF receiver made by the Brandes Corporation in Canada 1924,
similar sets were made in Slough England, and a later model the 3A was launched
around 1929 with 3 valves.
The set requires 3 Batteries and listening is done via headphones of which the
Brandes version are shown, the headband is missing.

No more is known about these sets.
Nortel Collection

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A1321
KOLSTER-BRANDS 'MASTERPIECE' RECEIVER, 1932
Only 40,000 "Masterpiece" wireless sets were made and were given away free in
exchange for coupons from packets of cigarettes in 1930.
The cigarettes in question were "Best Dark Virginia", and in order to qualify for a
free radio, it was necessary to spend over �12 which would have purchased 500
packets of ten.
At that time the price of receivers was very high, because of a protection scheme
run by a cartel of British manufacturers.
The valves that were used had to be British, and the royalties had to be paid to
the Marconi Company and the BBC.
The sale of cheap foreign imports was banned but giving them away "free" wasn't,
so this loophole was exploited in order to sell more cigarettes.
The receivers were made by KB but cheap imported valves were supplied by the
tobacco company.
The KB shown here is one of the earliest Bakelite-cased models and is an

extremely neat design using a TRF circuit around a couple of 2-volt valves. The lid
Larger image which carries the loudspeaker hinges up to reveal the tuning and reaction controls.
Unfortunately although the receiver is very small, the batteries were standard and
had to be employed externally to the set.
This changed the neat receiver into a bit of a messy affair with its trailing leads
and collection of batteries.
Nortel Collection
A1315
KOLSTER BRANDS (TOASTER RADIO) FB10, 1950's
Kolster Brands FB10, was known as The Toaster Radio, two versions were made
AM and FM types, both 5-valves including the rectifier. This version (AM) is a 2-
band Superhet using an internal aerial, both powered by AC mains and an auto
transformer is used to reduce the problem of heat inside the case. The valves
used in the AM model are:- 6BE6 - 6BA6 - 6AT6 - 6V6GT and 6X5GT. In
September 1950 it cost �8-17s-1d.

Larger image
A0804
MARCONI 706 5 INCH TV/WIRELESS, 1939
Although appearing complete the tube is a later radar type and the scan coils are
missing. Housed in a wooden cabinet it has 17 valves and a 5-inch CRT (Cathode
Ray Tube). The TV section is single band only whilst the radio has LW MW and a
short wave on the 16.5-52m band, the set operated from AC mains. In 1939 only
one BBC channel was transmitted this being limited to just a few hours each day,
therefore a wireless section was added to improve sales. Made in 1938 this set
when purchased cost in January 1939. �30-09-00d.
John Ambrose collection

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A0846
PYE B18T TELEVISION, 1948
Housed in a wooden cabinet single band only (only BBC transmitted at the time).
Using nineteen valves including eleven EF50's plus a 19inch CRT (Cathode Ray
Tube) and designed to operate from AC mains, the set has no mains transformer
so it could run from DC mains. The BBC transmitted from London and Birmingham
so sets at the time needed an appropriate tuner to receive each service. In
January 1949 it cost 49 Guineas.
John Ambrose collection
A0847
PYE LV30C TELEVISION, 1950
The Pye LV30C single channel Television (BBC only). Housed in a wooden
cabinet and having 14 Mullard valves and a 9-inch CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
working from AC mains only requiring 50 c/s to receive the transmission correctly.
A series of sets were produced known as BV30 and BV51 models, required for
reception in the Birmingham area. First sold in June 1950 for �38.11s.8d PT
extra.
Larger image A0375
BUSH TV12A TELEVISION, 1949
Housed in a Bakelite cabinet and using 18 Mullard valves with a 9-inch CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube) this set was designed to operate from AC mains. The TV12B
was the Birmingham equivalent to the 'A' which was for London only. The only
difference being the tuners, which were interchangeable. An autoradiogram
version was available with a 12-inch tube known as Model TRG12A. Magnifiers
could be purchased that were filled with liquid and strapped to the front to magnify
the size. In April 1949 the TV12 cost �41.3s.1d PT extra.
A0374
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SINCLAIR MICROVISION TV MODEL TV1B, 1978
The Microvision TV1B was launched in the autumn of 1978, it was 4 inch x 6 inch
and 1.5 inch high. Its predecessor the TV1A sold for around �230.00, it weighed
26 oz; this made it ounce for ounce more expensive than Silver. The picture could
be viewed from a foot away. Functioning on VHF and UHF bands, it was the
world�s first multi-standard receiver.
Donated by Allen Robert

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A1023
TELEVISION MAGNIFIER, 1940's
Small Television screen magnifier. This was filled with liquid and strapped onto the
television to magnify the size of the picture, it did however create some distortion.
Many visitors to the museum remember using one of these.
A0378
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TELEVISION MAGNIFIER, 1940's
A small Television screen magnifier, this one is tinted pink. It was filled with liquid
and strapped onto the television to magnify the size of the picture, this would
cause some distortion.
A0377
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BUSH DAC90, 1946
The Bush DAC90 is built in a Bakelite case using an internal round coil as an
aerial, there is no socket on the rear for an external aerial, the sensitivity of this set
makes this arrangement very effective. Not so well known as the DAC90A (item
A1010) it is a 5-valve including the rectifier 2-band Superhet working from AC
mains. The DAC90A was a complete redevelopment of this model. The valves
used in the DAC90 are:- CCH35 - EF39 - EBC88 - CL33 and CY31.The DAC90
cost �11 gns in July 1946 and was replaced by the DAC90A in Feb 1950. A
Cream Bakelite version was available at Extra cost.
A0148
BUSH DAC90A, 1950
Available also with a cream cabinet it is a 5-valve including the rectifier 2-band
Superhet working from AC mains. The wave-band ranges are 187-550m and
1,070-1,900m. Valves used are:- UCH42 - UF41 - UBC41 - UL41 and UY41. This
was one of the most popular sets ever made, and is still in use today.
They are often seen at fairs. It replaced (and not to be confused with) the DAC90
(item A0148). In Feb 1950 the DAC90A Cost �12-1s-8d plus a premium for the
cream version, purchase tax extra.
Donated by Ernest Richards.

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A1010
BUSH DAC91, 1947
This is the version that superseded the DAC90 (item A0148), which has an
expanded metal grille, and with the same valve line up but without the internal
frame Arial, (Required an external Arial) also it has a cream plastic speaker grill.
The cost in May 1947 was �17-17-03d including Purchase tax.
Larger image A1115
BUSH VHF 90 WIRELESS, 1956
The Bush VHF90 has only Medium Wave and VHF FM Bands and has internal
aerials for AM and FM, with an external VHF Arial connection. Housed in a plastic
cabinet these sets were AC/DC meaning, there is no transformer inside, therefore
no isolation from the mains, it also has an aluminium chassis making it lighter but
more expensive, (most chassis for sets of this type are made of steel). It had
seven valves including the rectifier these were:- UCC85 - UCH81 - UF89 - UF89 -
UABC80 - UL84 and UY85. A VHF90C version was also produced, with the only
difference being an AM Arial connection on the rear. In July 1956 it cost �16-12s-
08d Purchase tax extra.
Donated by Mr Edward Allner and given to her by the British Wireless for the Blind
Larger image Fund.
A1403
DAVENSET BATTERY CHARGER, 1930's
Usually found in Garages or Cycle shops for charging Wireless Accumulators.

Supplying 20 Volts, it can charge 10 X Accumulators at one time. Davenset
Chargers are still made today.
All the museum trutees can remember their parents taking an Accumulator to be
re-charged.
A0115
Larger image
BTH CRYSTAL SET AND BBC HEADPHONES, 1920's
This is the BTH Type 'C' Form 'A' twin detector crystal set manufactured by British
Thomson Houston Ltd. in 1924. It bears the BBC/Post Master General stamp
marked with the GPO Reg. No. 106.* The lid carries the instructions for use. The
date of manufacture is printed in the lower left corner of the instruction card. This
crystal set was manufactured by BTH from 1922 through to 1925.
*All manufactures were legally bound to obtain a licence from the Post Master
The set is housed in a walnut cabinet and features variometer tuning, twin cats
whisker detectors and selectable aerial coupling.
A variometer is a rotary variable inductance typically used for aerial tuning

Larger image
Nortel Collection
A1318
S G BROWN AMPLIFIER, 1924
Known as the 'Brown Microphone Amplifier' it was initially designed to amplify

telephone signals,although called a microphone amplifier it is not used with a
microphone, this refers to the working mechanism which is purely mechanicle. In
the 1920's a license was required for valve equipment, this unit cost half the fee. A
wireless set or crystal receiver could be connected to these units and enough
power could be produced to enhance the sound considerably. With a six volt
battery to power the unit it would consume less power than an equivelent two
valve system. In 1924 this model for valve sets cost �5.5s.0d.
A0312
OSRAM MUSIC MAGNET WIRELESS, 1929
Sold as a kit using the trade name GECophone in 1929, it has a metal chssis and
front panel with oak end panels and lift up lid. It is a battery set and has 3 valves.
There are two waveband coils six condensors, an L.F. transformer and little else.
Requiring headphones aerial and earth.
Larger image A0159
BREAD BOARD 6 VALVE RECEIVER, 1930's
Many small companies sprung up in the 1920's making wireless sets for sale.
These unfortunately soon suffered from the large companies going into mass
production and flooding the market. This receiver has six valves four of which are
RF amplifiers, Long Medium and Short wave making it ambitious, as
Superhetrodynes had not yet become widely available,so much amplification must
have produced a lot of unwanted noise. A label on the set says Made by
J.Karslake & Son 264 High street, opposite the Post Office. Exeter 2510.
The coils inside are Wearite types, carefully matched for three stages of a TRF or
"straight" receiver
The cans are copper and the coils plug into standard B4 valve sockets.
The covers were vital for a stable receiver so that there was no unwanted coupling
between the amplifying stages.
Larger image
A0144
FRAME AERIAL FOR LONG AND MEDIUM WAVE, 1930's
Many houses in built up areas did not have gardens large enough to acommodate
an aerial, (flats had no gardens) so an aerial for a receiver was a problem. The
frame aerial provided some help, mounted on the top of the set, it could provide
some signal strength, but not as good as an outdoor aerial.
A0145
Larger image
GECOPHONE BC 3050 RECEIVER, 1920's
The item shown is a single valve receiver made by GEC using a HE3 Valve.
A0143
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IVELEK CRYSTAL SET, 1950's
Advertized in Exchange and Mart and other periodicals, and aimed at young
enthusiasts. Museum staff remember listening to radio Luxemburg on these sets
in the 50's and 60'S.
Radio Luxembourg was a Long Wave commercial radio station that began
broadcasting from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 1933.

Larger image A0142
MARCONI P20B PORTABLE WIRELESS, 1948
The Marconiphone P20B is housed a small jewellery type case with a sprung held
lid and with an internal aerial. It used miniature parts throughout and is powered
from a HT and LT battery combined in one unit. The valves used are:- X17 - W17 -
ZD17 and N17.In December 1948 the P20B cost �11.19s. 6d, plus Purchase
Tax.

Larger image A1048
HONEYTONE POCKET TRANSISTOR MICRO 7, 1960's
Seven Transistor Miniature Pocket Radio, popular in the 1960's.

This really is very small and does fit into a pocket quite easily, compared to the
Selecta Portable item A0147 40 years earlier, things had come a long way.
A0153
Larger image
EVER READY 'B' or MARCONIPHONE P17B, 1947
Made by the Marconiphone Company and also supplied by Ever Ready who had
developed a small battery incorporating HT and LT sections specifically for sets
like this. The set weighed just 3lb-10oz's and was advertised as a handbag
portable wireless. It is a single band Superhet using four miniature valves and
having a switched sprung loaded lid. The valves used are:- X17 - W17 - ZD17 and
N17. In June 1947, it cost 10 Gns.

Larger image
A0151
MARCONI 382, 1936
The Marconiphone receiver is a 3-band Superhet using five valves including the
rectifier and is powered by AC or DC mains, it comes with a short wave range of
16.5-50metres. Its chassis is similar to that used in models 392 radiogram and
355 Automatic radiogram, also the HMV models 486 table version and 487
Radiogram. The valves used are:- X31 - W31 - D41 - N31 and U30. In September
1936 this wireless set would cost �14.3s.6d.

Larger image
A0160
SELECTA PORTABLE RECEIVER, 1920's
Large early portable receiver, made in 1929, with four valves and space for HT
Battery and LT accumulator.Required a good aerial and earth, a hand written list
inside the front doors gives all the control settings for various stations. Tuning was
accomplished by plain amplification T.R.F. (Tuned Radio Frequency). In 1929 it
cost �33.12s.0d. On the inside back panel is a meter to indicate the charge state
of the accumulator. Also available as a suit case portable, and a mains version.
Rear view of the Radio
A0147
BROWNIE NO 2 CRYSTAL SET, 1920's
The number 2 was manufactured by the Brownie Wireless Co. of Great Britain Ltd.
The set was available from September 1925 and appears in the 1925/6 Catalogue
of the East London Rubber Company. Described as,
"Complete with Semi-Opal Protected Detector, D.L.5 Crystal and "Pallmadium"

Cats whisker".
It sold for 10/6 (10 shillings and six pre-decimal pence), or 52.5 pence in today's
terms, This price was very competitive, cheap alongside other models of the time,
which might have cost in the region of �1 to �5.
Larger image
A0785
ASTRAD ORION MICRO POCKET WIRELESS, 1968
Made around 1968 and costing �2-10s-00d, this is really tiny and was announced
as the world smallest Radio, it has two dials and a crystal earpeice in a plastic
case.
A0943
Larger image
HMV MODEL 1410G HYBRID WIRELESS, 1958
This set is similar to the Marconiphone P60B and is a 2-band (MW and LW)
portable Superhet set which could be housed in a grey or cream plastic case,
using an internal ferrite rod Arial and a printed circuit board, with three valves and
two transistors in the output stage to reduce power consumption. Models 1410B
came in blue and 1410G came in a grey case. The valves used are:- DK96 - DF96
and DAF96, plus two Germanium PNP transistors.
Donated by Geoff Morgan
A0872
ETRONIC WIRELESS ETA 521, 1948
Wood Cased Wireless with rotating needle dial, Mains only, Made by the Hale
Electric Company Ltd The Etronic ETA 521 Is a 2-band MW and LW Superhet
powered by 200-250v AC mains receiver mounted in a wooden case and using 5
valves namely 6K8G - 6U7G - 6V6G AND 6X5GT. Purchase price not found.
Donated by Mr Edwards

Larger image
A0924
PROPAGANDA NAZI WIRELESS, 1938
Made during WW2 and tuned to German local frequencies only. Known as 'Die
Goebbelsschnauze' ( The Goebbels Gob ) This is the Deutscher Kleinempf�nger
DKE38 made by G. Schaub in Germany around 1938. It is has 1 valve (plus
rectifier) and is a mains TRF receiver housed in a brown bakelite cabinet.
Deutscher Kleinempf�nger means 'German small receiver', and the DKE38 is a

low cost peoples-set designed for mass production and intended to be introduced
into as many German homes as possible, very much like the utility sets that were
in UK homes during the Second World War. It was intended for the
communication of German propaganda and was manufactured by a number of
manufacturers. Like the utility sets,
its design is simple and whilst it would have been adequate for receiving strong
Larger image local stations, it would have required a good aerial. Many of the parts used in this
set are marked with the German eagle.
A0086
EDDYSTONE EB35 COMMUNICATION RECEIVER, 1968
This is a domestic receiver of 1968 receiving AM and FM with 6 bands, fully

transistorised and used by wireless amateurs in the early 1970,s operating from
batteries only. It used Germanium transistors of a type which suffer badly with
age, it is unlikely that any of these sets will still work without major repair. the
ranges were 88-108 FM, AM 8.5-22MHz, 3.5-8.5MHz, 1.5-3.5MHz, 550-1500Khz,
150-350Khz.
The tuning indicator meter on the left is not original.

Larger image
A0110
EDDYSTONE COMMUNICATION RECEIVER S640, 1947
Desk top Receiver in metal case. Designed as a communication set for wireless
amateurs. In 1947 this would have cost �42.00 A 3 band general coverage set
HF 1.7-31MHz.Using an EF39 in the RF stage.
A0967
Larger image
MURPHY A122M, 1949
Made in 1949 with 5-valves including the rectifier, a three band Superhet, short,
Long and Medium wave. Mains only operation, and requiring an external Aerial
and Earth connection. Switch-able tone control and four separate glass scales
with cursor, one for each band, individually illuminated when chosen. Sockets at
the rear are provided for a gramophone pick up and an extension loudspeaker.
The valves used are:- TH41 - VP41 - HL41DD - PEN45 and UU6. In January 1949
the Murphy A122M cost �22.00 Purchase Tax extra.

Larger image
A0721
BEETHOVEN A415 WIRELESS, 1946
The Beethoven A415 is a 5-valve (including rectifier) 3-band Superhet MW LW

including a band pass circuits and SW, the SW range is 16-51 metres. Working
from AC mains. The valves used are:- ECH35 - EF39 - EBC33 - EL33 and AZ31.
In May 1946 Cost 16 Guineas Plus �3.12s.6d Purchase Tax
Donated by Mrs Edwards

Larger image
A0923
CAR MASTERADIO, 1948
This early Car Radio would be slung under the parcel shelf with an external
loudspeaker mounted either in a separate box or in the back parcel shelf. The
power unit (missing) was bulky and noisy, so it was either under the bonnet or in
the boot of the car.
Larger image A0173
VIDOR 'MY LADY ANNE' PORTABLE, 1955
Model CN430 "Lady Anne" used a new range of low power valves had 2-bands
MW and LW and was housed in a small wooden box with a hinged lid. It could be
powered from AC mains or a small combined "All Dry" HT and LT battery. The
valves were:- DK96 - DF96 - DAF96 and DL96.
The "My Lady" range of wireless sets became very popular in the 50's, they came
in different colours and were very much in demand by the teenagers of the day.
The cost in January 1955 was �14.14s.2d PT Extra
Larger image
Donated by Kenneth Thompson
A1034
VIDOR 'MY LADY MARGARET' BATTERY PORTABLE WIRELESS, 1954
Vidor "Lady Margaret" model CN429 is a four valve 2-band Superhet personnel
portable in a wooden case working from an "All Dry" Battery only. Its Lid has a
switch which turns on the radio when opened. The valves used are:- DK96 - DF96
- DAF96 and DL96. This is the battery only version of Accession No1034.The 'My
Lady Anne' portable. In June 1954 this cost �9-2s-10d PT Extra.

Larger image A1131
PHILIPS 660 A/U WIRELESS, 1938
Supplied by Philips Lamp Co in August 1938. Made by Mullard as Model MAS24.

The wooden cabinet in dark wood stain is in almost perfect condition. With square
dial and revolving needle tuning, this is directly controlled by eight buttons each
can be tuned to a selected station individually. A special type of tuning condenser
is used for this designed by Philips and known as a "Beehive" tuner (see item
A0745). The valve used are:- EF8 - EK2 - EF9 - EBL2 and A21, also a tuning
indicator EM1. Purchase price not found.

Larger image
A1116
CLIMAX FOLDING FRAME AERIAL, 1930's
Frame Aerial used with early Wireless sets when a long Aerial in the garden was
not possible.
A1044
Larger image
EDISWAN 'COMPACTUM' WIRELESS WL385, 1920's
Ediswan Compactum. Supplied in the 1920's as a kit costing �4 or complete and

tested for �11- 11s. Required a HT and LT batteries with a good aerial and earth.
Listening was by headphones. The receiver could be worked with any triode valve
of the period, dull or bright emitter type.
Larger image
A1181
MARCONIPHONE 256 WIRELESS, 1932
The Marconiphone 256 Superhet had seven valves including rectifier, one valve is
used as a separate oscillator. Various other models used the same chassis,
namely the 258 radiogram, Columbia 356 table model and 631 autoradiogram,
and the HMV Superhet "Lowboy seven" console, 523 radiogram and 524 (non
AVC) autoradiogram. The valves used are:- VMS4 - MH4 - MS4 - VMS4 - MH4 -
PX4 and U12. Designed to operate on 200-250 V, AC mains. The cost in 1932
was �25.4s

Larger image
A1155
MULLARD MA3 WIRELESS, 1935
The Mullard MA3 was manufactured in 1935. From the mid 20's till 1938 Mullard
was more or less owned by Philips. A fact which was little known by the public,
Philips models were labelled and sold as Mullard products, often with different
cases. It is a four valve 2-band TRF receiver with two alternative Arial sockets to
the rear these were used if the set was too close to the Droitwich transmitter,
these are marked "A2" and "D", the former being a simple condenser and the later
a rejection circuit for Droitwich. The valves used are VP4A - SP4 - PEN4B and
IW3. Original price not found.

Larger image
A1163
EVER READY SKY COUNTESS PORTABLE WIRELESS, 1958
The Ever Ready "Sky Countess", is one of the last of the valve portables made by
Ever Ready, in 1959 the 'Sky Captain' was made, which marked the switch to non-
royal named transistors. Made in a wooden case with an on/off switch operated by
the lid. It is a 2-band four valve Superhet operating from two batteries (HT and
LT). Incorporating a Ferrite rod Arial and using a printed circuit board as the
chassis. The valves used are DK96 - DF96 - DAF96 and DL96. The cost in 1958
was �10.

Larger image
A1175
MOVING IRON LOUDSPEAKER, 1920's
Before permanent magnets were made strong enough and cheap enough,
loudspeakers used a coil moving an iron reed which was attached to the
diaphragm of the speaker.
Internally a high resistance coil with a permanent magnet through it was used to
move an iron reed, attached to a rod on which was placed the paper cone. An
Adjustment was provided for maximum efficiency. This method did not require a
strong magnet to operate, and the quality was inferior to modern loudspeakers
which use the moving coil principal.
Larger image A1136
'SUNRISE' EXTENSION LOUDSPEAKER, 1940's
Original moving iron speaker removed and replaced with moving coil type
A0891
Larger image
CELESTION MOVING IRON LOUDSPEAKER, 1927
Before permanent magnets were made strong enough and cheap enough,
loudspeakers used a coil moving an iron reed which was attached to the
diaphragm of the speaker.
Internally a high resistance coil with a permanent magnet through it, was used to
move an iron reed, this was attached to a rod on which was placed the paper
cone. An Adjustment was provided for maximum efficiency. This method did not
require a strong magnet to operate, and the quality was inferior to modern
loudspeakers which use the moving coil principal.
A0914
'THE THINKER' MOVING IRON LOUDSPEAKER, 1940's
Extension Loudspeaker for transferring the wireless to other rooms, with fret cut
out to the shape of 'The Thinker' sculpture.
On the the rear view can be seen the adjustment control for the Moving Iron
Loudspeaker, it was necessary to occasional correct the clearance of the reed or
armature, to keep the unit working properly if this was not done loud volumes
would cause thumping or sticking, the unit needed to be able to give good
sensitivity for all volume levels.
Rear view of the Loudspeaker

A1168
'THE STAG' LOUDSPEAKER, 1950's
Extension Loudspeaker for transferring the wireless to other rooms, with fret cut
out to the shape of a Stag.
A1169
Larger image
RADIO MAGNAVOX MH1, 1920's
Designed to replace Headphones on early Wireless sets, before loudspeakers had

been perfected because of problems with a strong enough magnet.
The coil is a high enough impedance to connect directly to the output valve of the
set. The terminals on the units would carry high voltages, and yet no insulation
was thought necessary.
A1164
Larger image
STERLING 'BABY' LOUDSPEAKER HORN, 1923
Designed to replace Headphones on early Wireless sets, before loudspeakers had

been perfected because of problems with a strong enough magnet.
The coil is a high enough impedance to connect directly to the output valve of the
set. The terminals on the units would carry high voltages, and yet no insulation
was thought necessary.
A1204
Larger image
RADIO LOUDSPEAKER HORNS, 1920's
A selection of loudspeaker horns from the 1920's and a Bakelite Philips

Loudspeaker from the 1930's.
Including
A BTH Tpe C2 1925
An Amplion 'Standard Dragon' AR19 1923
A Telephones Le Las Horn 1920's
A Philips Lamps Ltd Bakelite Loudspeaker surround Model 2007 1928
The horns would replace headphones on early valve receivers before
loudspeakers had been perfected, or even manufactured, and were simply
connected directly to the audio amplifier valve in the receiver. They were normally
Larger image
high resistance and therefore very sensitive. The connection from the audio
amplifier valve would carry high voltages; (not liked by today's health and safety
regulations!)
A0167 to A0170
REVOPHONE CRYSTAL SET AND HEADPHONES, 1923
The Revophone Crystal Set 1923 Cost �2-10s Royalty was extra at 7s-6d. Its
wooden box with hinged lid is in excellent condition, inside are two knobs and the
crystal holder.

Larger image A1188
GECOPHONE JUNIOR CRYSTAL SET, 1925
This is the GECOPHONE Junior Crystal Set BC1700. Built by GEC (UK) in 1925,
this simple crystal set is in a polished mahogany case. The connection points for
the aerial, earth and headphones are all provided, the controls comprise a tuning
knob and a lever to adjust the detector. This set would have cost 15s 0d in
1925,the 1600m Loading Coil would cost an extra 7s 6d.
At the back of the set is the 'Entirely British Manufacture' BBC stamp.

Larger image
A1233
HMV 441A WIRELESS, 1935
Also known as a Marconiphone Model 264, part of the "Jubilee" range. It has 5
valves including the rectifier; it is a Super-Heterodyne circuit 2-band table receiver
and runs on AC Mains 200-250 volts with a moving coil loudspeaker, magnetic
field created by an electro dynamic coil. HMV also produced models 444 a
console and the 541 radiogram. Whereas Marconiphone produced models 297
console and 287 a radiogram. The valves used in all identical chassis were:-
MX40 - VMS4 - MHD4 - MPT4 and MU12. The cost of the HMV 441A in 1935 was
�13
Larger image A1138
DICKSEN 'MIDGET' 4 VALVE WIRELESS DM40, 1939
Midget radios became popular in America between the wars as new smaller
valves were being developed, this is just one example made in 1939 it has 4
valves including the mains rectifier, and a simple TRF circuit design.

Larger image A1206
MARCONI WIRELESS TELEGRAPH COMPANY'S RADIO, V2 MODEL, 1922
2 valve reflex circuit, manufactured between 1922 and 1926. Original cost
�22.8s.0d reducing to �15.16s.2d in 1925, and to �8.0s.0d in 1926.
A0771
Larger image
McMICHAEL MAINS THREE RADIO, 1931
The McMichael Mains Three of 1931 was a three valve TRF receiver that was built
like a Tank, with a metal back and no expense spared on its construction. In 1931
it cost 20Gns. Valves and Royalty's included.
The Mains Three is what is known as a 'landmark set', i.e. it introduced a

significant or interesting feature into radio design. In this case, it was the first radio
to have a dial calibrated directly in wavelength (metres) - up until then dials/knobs
were 0-100 with a look-up table.
Thanks to (www.McMichael.org.uk) David Cochrane.
Rear view of the Radio

Larger image
A1162
McMICHAEL SUPER RANGE PORTABLE FOUR, 1932
The McMichael Super Range Portable Four is similar but an earlier version of the
Duplex Four Type S. which in its sales literature is described as:-.
A high efficiency four valve circuit is used, double gang tuned to indicate on the
duplex scale (not fitted on this model). An automatic grid bias dispenses with a
grid bias battery (grid bias required with this model) and automatically adjusts the
reproducing valves to maintain unimpaired tonal quality throughout the life of the
high tension battery. The set is contained in a handsome case of dark furniture
hide, fitted with ebonite panels and controls, with nickelled panel fittings. For
protection an aluminium valve screen is employed. It has four valves:- PM2 -
SG215 - HL210 and DEP215.
Made between 1928 and 1931 it cost around 17 Gns.
A1165
McMICHAEL CONSOLE RADIO MODEL135, 1935
The firm of McMichael Radio, based in Slough, was established in the early 1920s
by Leslie McMichael, in collaboration with design engineer Ben Hesketh. (Until the
late 30s, sets carried the initials M-H, which stood for McMichael-Hesketh.)
Their sets were very solidly engineered, and made to a high standard. The
company went to a lot of trouble promoting the radios. Publicity was helped by
demonstrations of their sets' abilities to receive on trains and aeroplanes. These
tests were probably less severe than the public imagined, but they were good
publicity stunts.
Their sets were sold mainly by accredited dealers, who were urged on by an in-
house magazine called the McMichael Messenger, which featured dealers from
around the country. The 135 console is a five valve including the rectifier Superhet
for use on AC mains. The valves used are:- AC/TP - MVPS - PEN-DD4 and
Larger image 442BU.
A0536
RADIOLA BRITISH THOMPSON HOUSTON BIJOU, CRYSTAL SET GPO Reg.

No. 861, 1923
Early Crystal receiver, Form B, Cost �1.15s.0d. Also shown is a boxed set of
Brown's Type F headphones
Printed on the front of the set is the PO licence number.

All manufactures were legally bound to obtain a licence from the Post Master

Larger image
A0138, A0150
WWII UTILITY RADIOS
Utility radios were made by over 40 different manufacturers, under a government
directive. They were very basic to keep the cost as low as possible, enabling
everybody to be kept informed of events. Both Mains and battery versions are
shown.
The battery version on the left was made by, Philips Lamps Ltd. and has a
manufacturer�s mark of U8.
The mains version on the right was made by, Kolster Brandes, and has the
manufacturers mark U32.
Both sets are single band only (MW) they are a Superhet using four valves, these
are:-BVA276 - BVA243 - BVA267 and BVA211. These sets are purported to be
designed by G.D.Reynolds of Murphy Radio.
Larger image
A0163, A0162
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©2007 The Museum of Technology, The Great War and WWII

Company registered in England No. 7452160, Registered Charity No. 1140352, Accredited Museum No. 2221

Museum of Technology, The History of Gadgets and Gizmos

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Museum of Technology, The History of Gadgets and Gizmos

Domestic Industrial Medical Militaria Military Mysteries Telegraphy Telephony Valves

A Short History of the Gramophone A Brief History of Wireless

VICEROY DRY SHAVER (SPRING LOADED), 1936

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PHILISHAVE BATTERY SHAVER, 1950's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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PIFCO RAZOLITE MIRROR, 1952

Bruce Hammond Collection

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Larger image A1197

ELECTRIC MINI PERM, 1930's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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'FEN SON' ELECTRIC HAIR DRYER, 1925

This is a very early example of an electric hair dryer.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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'BEST FRIEND' HAIR DRYER, 1932

Bruce Hammond Collection

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FORFEX HAIR DRYER, 1930's

A hair dryer originating from the 1930's.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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RAYDO ELECTRIC HAIR BRUSH, 1930's

Larger image Bruce Hammond Collection

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WHITES ELECTRIC HAIR BRUSH, 1920's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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ROLLS RAZOR 'VICEROY' ELECTRIC DRY SHAVER in TRAVEL PACK, 1938

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SIEMENS ELECTRIC BATTERY RAZOR, 1938

Bruce Hammond Collection

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Larger image A1249

SINGLE HEAD PHILISHAVE, 1940

Bruce Hammond Collection

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CURLING IRONS FOR HAIR, 1906

Bruce Hammond Collection

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Larger image A1241

ELECTRIC MASSAGER, 1930's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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Larger image A1239

ARNOLD HAIR REMOVAL UNIT, 1920's

Ladies hair removal system.

Bruce Hammond Collection

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VANDRE HAIR REMOVER, 1930's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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PIFCO HEAT MASSAGER, 1950's

Bruce Hammond Collection

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CARBON ARC SUN RAY LAMP, 1950's

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PYE BLACK BOX MODEL BBA 1958, 1958

This item can be demonstrated.

Kindly donated by the Design Museum London