Unknown radio (1920s 3 valve TRF, reaction, Ediswan logo) - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

mikepeak · 2nd Nov 2018, 9:19 pm

Hello

I need help.

In a recent clear out of my garage I came across 2 old (forgotten about) radios which were bequeathed to me when Grandmother died some 40+ years ago.

One is Bush DAC 90A which still works.

The other is (almost) a complete mystery. It is a dc powered, 3 valve, trf set, with reaction and with leads for externally connected HT and LT batteries and loudspeaker. These features would lead me to believe that is probably a 1920s set. The only information the set carries is an Ediswan logo under the lid.

I have now spent a few hours searching the internet (using a variety of search terms) for images and or information on the set and found nothing like it.

I have attached some photos. I hope some of you out there can help.

Thanks in anticipation

Mike

PJL · 2nd Nov 2018, 11:03 pm

The valve inside the coil may just be a spare and not connected to anything. The coil and the LP2 holder look to be Ediswan parts.

It may have been a kit from the late 20's?

Mr Moose · 2nd Nov 2018, 11:37 pm

Hello,
In the late 1920s Edswan produced a number of units that could be plugged together to make the basis of a radio.
I think they could be bought as a kits (for various numbers of valves) or individually.
Your set appears to be a homebuilt or kit set based on two of these units but with parts from other makers. (Ormond slow motion drives, Lissen LF transformer etc.)
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/ediswa...upling_un.html

mikepeak · 4th Nov 2018, 2:57 pm

Thank you PJL and Mr Moose. Your replies have been most helpful.

However, whilst I have the expertise to restore the Ediswan Kit Radio I do not have the time, due to other projects and family commitments. (The garage clear out was to create space for other projects including the restoration of a 1966 BSA A65 Thunderbolt.) So I have decided to sell the two radios.

The Bush DAC 90A is quite common and I can estimate an asking price from recent sales on auction websites.

The Ediswan is a different matter. Very difficult for me to gain an understanding of what this might be worth.

Does any one have an idea of what the Ediswan might be worth.

Thanks in anticipation.

Mike PEAK

2nd Nov 2018, 9:19 pm	#1
mikepeak Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 2	Unknown radio (1920s 3 valve TRF, reaction, Ediswan logo) Hello I need help. In a recent clear out of my garage I came across 2 old (forgotten about) radios which were bequeathed to me when Grandmother died some 40+ years ago. One is Bush DAC 90A which still works. The other is (almost) a complete mystery. It is a dc powered, 3 valve, trf set, with reaction and with leads for externally connected HT and LT batteries and loudspeaker. These features would lead me to believe that is probably a 1920s set. The only information the set carries is an Ediswan logo under the lid. I have now spent a few hours searching the internet (using a variety of search terms) for images and or information on the set and found nothing like it. I have attached some photos. I hope some of you out there can help. Thanks in anticipation Mike Attached Thumbnails

2nd Nov 2018, 11:03 pm	#2
PJL Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seaford, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 5,997	Re: Unknown radio (1920s 3 valve TRF, reaction, Ediswan logo) The valve inside the coil may just be a spare and not connected to anything. The coil and the LP2 holder look to be Ediswan parts. It may have been a kit from the late 20's?

2nd Nov 2018, 11:37 pm	#3
Mr Moose Octode Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 1,043	Re: Unknown radio (1920s 3 valve TRF, reaction, Ediswan logo) Hello, In the late 1920s Edswan produced a number of units that could be plugged together to make the basis of a radio. I think they could be bought as a kits (for various numbers of valves) or individually. Your set appears to be a homebuilt or kit set based on two of these units but with parts from other makers. (Ormond slow motion drives, Lissen LF transformer etc.) https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/ediswa...upling_un.html Attached Thumbnails

4th Nov 2018, 2:57 pm	#4
mikepeak Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 2	Re: Unknown radio (1920s 3 valve TRF, reaction, Ediswan logo) Thank you PJL and Mr Moose. Your replies have been most helpful. However, whilst I have the expertise to restore the Ediswan Kit Radio I do not have the time, due to other projects and family commitments. (The garage clear out was to create space for other projects including the restoration of a 1966 BSA A65 Thunderbolt.) So I have decided to sell the two radios. The Bush DAC 90A is quite common and I can estimate an asking price from recent sales on auction websites. The Ediswan is a different matter. Very difficult for me to gain an understanding of what this might be worth. Does any one have an idea of what the Ediswan might be worth. Thanks in anticipation. Mike PEAK