Pre WWII portable radios in the UK - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

geoff999 · 3rd Jun 2011, 8:06 am

There is an amusing picture of the Roberts partners with their wives (who were sisters) in a field listening to a suitcase-type portable radio with an Aladdin's Lamp fret on page 192 of "Setmakers" The caption suggests that the date is about 1933, the year after they set up their business.

hkn102l · 3rd Jun 2011, 9:41 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker Tom

John,
That's a perfect example of the type of radio I'm looking for. I looked it picture up in the Radio Museum archives. They had a picture, but not a schematic. From the description, it does not seem to use low drain tubes like most of the US portables of that era (2 Volt storage batteries?), but it is definitely an early production portable made by a major firm. Thanks,

Hi I've just looked out my trader sheet for the Baby Q . It's TSS number 277.
Hope that's of help.
Cheers
John

Tinker Tom · 3rd Jun 2011, 3:47 pm

Many thanks to all those who responded to my original post. It does look like Schiffer was generally right that production of portalble radios became popular in the UK prior to the 1938- 1942 portable craze in the US.

chipp1968 · 5th Jun 2011, 10:43 am

Certainly portable were available from 1928 here .mainly the suitcase type with speaker in the lid and quite large. I would say the became more practical after 1938.
I just came back with a nice 38 Vidor yesterday from the BVWS Garden party in London. It is quite small ,about 12 " By 10" by 7"

chipp1968 · 5th Jun 2011, 10:44 am

Here is a pic of the Vidor.

3rd Jun 2011, 8:06 am	#21
geoff999 Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Croydon Posts: 92	Re: Pre WWII portable radios in the UK There is an amusing picture of the Roberts partners with their wives (who were sisters) in a field listening to a suitcase-type portable radio with an Aladdin's Lamp fret on page 192 of "Setmakers" The caption suggests that the date is about 1933, the year after they set up their business. Last edited by Dave Moll; 5th Jun 2011 at 8:15 pm. Reason: incorrect relationship removed at poster's request

3rd Jun 2011, 3:47 pm	#23
Tinker Tom Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Antonio, Texas USA Posts: 5	Re: Pre WWII portable radios in the UK - Thanks! Many thanks to all those who responded to my original post. It does look like Schiffer was generally right that production of portalble radios became popular in the UK prior to the 1938- 1942 portable craze in the US.

5th Jun 2011, 10:43 am	#24
chipp1968 Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK. Posts: 2,356	Re: Pre WWII portable radios in the UK Certainly portable were available from 1928 here .mainly the suitcase type with speaker in the lid and quite large. I would say the became more practical after 1938. I just came back with a nice 38 Vidor yesterday from the BVWS Garden party in London. It is quite small ,about 12 " By 10" by 7"

5th Jun 2011, 10:44 am	#25
chipp1968 Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset, UK. Posts: 2,356	Re: Pre WWII portable radios in the UK Here is a pic of the Vidor. Attached Thumbnails