Radio with jumping horse logo

[WaveyDipole]

I saw a radio on the market this afternoon which looked somewhat bigger than a Roberts R727 or R737. From tne appearance it is a transistor radio with at least 3 bands including FM. It was in a completely wooden case but with no brand on it as far as I could tell. Unfortunately we couldn't open the wooden door of the battery compartment to have a look inside. The only identifying clues were the large number and letters 8017 AM/FM on the front and a small round black logo on the top to the left of the dial with what looked like a white jumping horse (difficult to tell without my glasses on). There was a plastic vent in the middle of the back which looks essentially like the vent on the back of my Roberts R727. Unfortunately I couldn't take a photo of the radio.

I have googled, but so far without success. The only model I could find with that number was a Sanyo RP-8017, but I could not find a photo to verify, and the appearance of the one I say looks 60s to perhaps early70s, much earlier than the Sanyo in question.

So the question is, can anyone identify the brand form these few clues. I appreciate its not much to go on.

[dazzlevision]

It's an Invicta radio, made by the Pye/Ekco Group. They used the 8xxx numbering sequence for radios made in the era of the 8017.

[Paul Stenning]

The logo sounds like Invicta.

I found this image of an Invicta set with a just-about visible logo http://thumbs.picclick.com/00/s/MTUy...-Retro-_57.jpg

[WaveyDipole]

Well, that certainly does look like the logo in question. Thank for the very quick reply. The photo below is from a different model on eBay. I did find a reference to an 8018 with the dreaded AF117 transistors.....

Are these worth salvaging?

[Paul Stenning]

This is the logo from the service data of the 8022. I don't have any data for the 8017, and couldn't find that model from a quick Google search.

The 8018 uses AF117's so it is likely that the 8017 does too.

[dazzlevision]

Here is a scan of the contemporary Invicta range brochure - circa 1970.

[Paul Stenning]

It is probably one of their last UK made transistor sets, before they started selling imported sets from the far east.

Sets like this tends to sell for £5 to £10 in BVWS auctions, depending on condition.

[dazzlevision]

Invicta was Pye's wholesale brand until it was dropped in favour of Ekco, circa 1975.

[WaveyDipole]

Paul, yes that's exactly what the printed logo looks like and Dazzlevision, yes, that's the one, except evidently the Invicta logo is missing.

It never ceases to amaze me how members can often identify something from just a few vague clues!

I have to say that I would more readily identify the Ekco brand with radios than Invicta. Invicta makes me think of the famous Mastermind game.

[dazzlevision]

Originally Posted by WaveyDipole

I have to say that I would more readily identify the Ekco brand with radios than Invicta. Invicta makes me think of the famous Mastermind game.

Ah, Invicta Plastics Ltd. They were based in Oadby, Leicester and of no connection with Invicta Radio Ltd. The factory site is now a Waitrose supermarket (in which I have shopped and used the cafe).

The horse logo is also the motif of Kent County Council.

[Brigham]

It's also the same as the Aveling 'Invicta' road-roller.
Is there a connection?

[MotorBikeLes]

Invicta Plastics of Oadby. Yes, I remember them. They advertised a speed camera radar detector. It was said it was going to be banned. My pal and I rode over there on the 'bike one Saturday to buy two. I think they were closed. Another pal had ordered one which arrived by post. He cruised slowly past an active radar speed trap, but it never even buzzed. I guess we had a near miss, and I think the other chap got his money back.
Les.

[AC/HL]

The question has been comprehensively answered, and we're starting to wander, so time to ride off into the sunset.