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 |
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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. View 5 comments about this objectA1462 |
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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. A1193 |
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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. A1197 |
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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. 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. A1246 |
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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. A1243 |
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WHITES ELECTRIC HAIR BRUSH, 1920's "Electricity gives life giving properties to the hair right down to the roots". A1194 |
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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. A1192 |
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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. A1249 |
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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. A1244 |
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CURLING IRONS FOR HAIR, 1906 The Hair Curling Iron was heated inside an electric element on a stand. For domestic use. A1241 |
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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. A1239 |
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ARNOLD HAIR REMOVAL UNIT, 1920's Ladies hair removal system. A1184 |
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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. A1185 |
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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. A1196 |
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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. A0972 |
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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 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. A1591 |
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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 A1502 |
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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). A0534 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1377 |
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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. A0788 |
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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. A1463 |
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DECCA PORTABLE REFLECTOR GRAMOPHONE, 1920's This type of gramophone was a favourite with Officers during the First World War. 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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0730 |
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PETER PAN FOLDING GRAMOPHONE, 1924 Designed to be fully portable in a box similar to cameras of the period. A0884 |
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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. A0802, A0506 |
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HMV GRAMOPHONE MODEL 109, 1930's The HMV gramophone is a model 109. A0538 |
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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 |
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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. A1501 |
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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. A1257 |
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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. 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. A0743 |
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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 stations to demonstrate them!' A1341 |
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LISSENOLA PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE, 1930's Classic style of portable gramophone with storage for records in the lid. 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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1012 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA0866 |
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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. A1401 |
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COLUMBIA PORTABLE GRAMOPHONE, 1940's Portable gramophone for 78rpm records, common in the 1940's and 50's. View 3 comments about this objectA0812 |
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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. A0535 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0964 |
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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. A0521 |
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RUCO PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER, 1950's Plays 45 rpm records only. Valve amplifier. 'Garrard' turntable BA.1 Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0919 |
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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. 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. View 3 comments about this objectA0926 |
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SANYO PORTABLE RADIOGRAM, 1970's Transistorised Record player and radio. View 4 comments about this objectA0532 |
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HOOVER 'DUSTETTE' MODEL 100 of 1930 Launched in 1930 the patent for the design was filed on May the 5th, by William H Kato, this was the first hand-held vacuum cleaner on the market. Kato was assigned to the Hoover Company of North Canton Ohio in the United States of America. At the time all vacuum cleaners were of the upright model type, Hoover saw the need for a smaller more portable model. It was launched in 1930 along with the cylinder type 'MINOR' model. They were available from 1930 to 1939 and after WW2 from 1945 to 1950. A1661 |
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CORN RAZOR, circa 1890 Cut throat style razor for removing Corns on feet. Developed in the late 19th century. An extension to the blade is provided to assist the opening of the blade. A1656 |
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TINTED SPECTACLES, 1920's Green tinted spectacles mounted in coil spring frame, sometimes known as 'Aviator' glasses. An early attempt to reduce glare from sunlight. Made from the 1920's onwards. A1655 |
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SUPREME HAIR DRYER, 1940's Supreme Hair dryer. Made by L.G.Hawkins & Co Ltd. Made in white Bakelite, and in original box. A unique part of the design is that the handle unscrews for easier storage. Made between 1947 and 1949. A1654 |
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ORIC ATMOS COMPUTER 11 X GAMES and 2 X BOOKS., 1984 The ORIC ATMOS was introduced in 1984 and replaced the ORIC 1 Computer; it had an improved keyboard and an updated ROM (Read Only Memory). Soon after ATMOS was released the Modem Printer and 3 inch floppy drive was introduced and released at the end of 1984. Not all games released were compatible with ORIC and ATMOS versions, a modification was released to enable switching between old ORIC 1 tapes and new ATMOS versions. Tape based software could be obtained with ORIC 1 software one side and ATMOS on the other. Earlier titles produced by publishers who had ceased trading were unlikely to be supported. Oric International finally produced the STRATOS version before going into receivership. A French company (Eureka) released the ORIC TELESTRAT after continuing production of the STRATOS. Apart from being gaming machines, users could learn an early computer programming language called 'BASIC' on these machines. The system requires a Television and a Tape player. A1639 |
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ORIC 1 COMPUTER. 17 games and 2 X BOOKS. , 1983 Introduced in 1982 the ORIC 1 was based on the 1MHz 6502A CPU with 16 or 48 Kb Ram versions. Made by Oric Products International Ltd formally Tangerine Company Systems. It included a sound chip, Centronics Interface, TV RF modulator (television required), and a tape output for storage of Data. A (a mains adaptor was supplied). In 1983 the 16 Kb version cost £129.00 and the 48 Kb version cost £169.00. A1638 |
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SIMPLEX SEWING MACHINE, circa 1950 Simplex Sewing Machine believed to be manufactured in America but some unit were made in post war occupied Japan. No serial number can be found, and other than the word Simplex that has been worn down, no other marks can be found. A1635 |
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OIL LAMP MARKED ARG DATED 1942, 1942 Oil or Paraffin lamp made in 1942. On the top is a bell dome which when unscrewed one turn will act as a bell if knocked with a suitable object. No more is known about this object, or can be found. A1637 |
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SILEX ELECTRIC AUTOMATIC STEAM IRON, 1940's Silex Electric steam Iron. Made by Silex Household Products Ltd, or H.Bagott & Company Ltd. On the back is a label with the company name, but the 'G' in Bagott is not clear and looks like the figure '8' so the name is not certain. No record can be found of this Company. Judging by the materials used and the method of manufacture it seems to have been made before World War 2. There are two controls, one on the rear for controlling the temperature and one on the handle for Ironing with steam or dry. A1624 |
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BELLING BED WARMER, 1939 Bed warmers in early days were filled with hot coals or ashes to remove the damp from the sheets. The Belling Company who originally made this product in 1939 started by making electric fires in 1912 at there factory in Enfield. It consists of two metal shallow spheres joined together with a 40-Watt bulb inside to produce the heat. Originally made in Cream, they were so successful that they continued until the 1960's. The instructions say that the unit must be removed before getting in to the bed. Belling made the Baby Belling cooker (No40) in 1931 with a fully enamelled body, using a glass door on an oven for the first time. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1620 |
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PIONEER MANGLE, 1950's Early mangles would wring out washing by passing it through rollers originally made from wood, later rubber. After the Second World War electric washing machines came over from America, which had there own rollers mounted on top of the machine operated by a manual handle (domestic spin dryers were not available yet in the UK). Whittaker Bros Ltd who ceased trading in 1958 made this machine. A1607 |
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STRAND ULTRA VIOLET EXPERIMENTAL OUTFIT, 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. A1586 |
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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. A0954 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1459 |
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HEWLETT PACKARD POCKET PC, 1970's Pocket sized personal computer, supplied by Zengrange Ltd Leeds, England 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 A1385 |
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AMSTRAD PC9512 COMPUTER, 1985 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. A1562 |
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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. A0937 |
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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. A1524 |
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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. A1523 |
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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. A1454 |
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ELECTRIC TRAVELLING IRON, 1930's Electric Travelling Iron, the first design that became very popular. A0352 |
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VOLTA ELECTRIC IRON, 1930's Early Volta electric Iron. A1212 |
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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. A1166 |
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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. A1160 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1287 |
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'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. A1266 |
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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. A1242 |
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OZONE AIR FAN AND GENERATOR, 1930's Ozone generator with an electric fan mounted on the top. A1211 |
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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. A1171 |
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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. A1170 |
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LAZY DAISY BELL & CALL BUTTON, circa 1910 Used as a portable calling system for master and servant or doctor and patient, simply it consists of a large battery box with a bell on the side a fabric covered lead connects to a bell push, which is unwound and left with the patient/master ready for calling. The system could have many other uses. Dating these units is difficult as the manufacturing period could have lasted for as much as 30 years. Thanks to a comment received from America, one was found with evidence that it had been used in 1904, dating it to the turn of the 20th Century. These items have somehow been labelled as a Lazy Daisy. View 1 comment about this objectA0118 |
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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. A1159 |
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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. A1200 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0917 |
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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. A1267 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1556 |
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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. A1224 |
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RYNA TOASTER TYPE 87, 1940's Early toaster from the 1940's with toast positioned on flip down sides, marked 200v 400 Watts. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0784 |
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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. A1221 |
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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. A1222 |
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HAWKINS 'TECAL' TEAMAKER, 1936 This is one of the very first examples of a "Teamaker", see item A0123 for further details. A1226 |
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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. A0123 |
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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. A0122 |
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DRIED MILK TIN, 1940's An example of a WWII Dried Milk Tin dated 1945. View 4 comments about this objectA0865 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1475 |
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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. A1354 |
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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. A1353 |
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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. A1352 |
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STC 4113A RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1960's Ribbon Microphone for Public Address systems made by STC, it has a low 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. 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. A1324 |
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EARLY HAND MICROPHONE, 1920's Early Microphone of the carbon type used for Public Address, A1264 |
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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. A1031 |
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RESLOSOUND RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1950's Ribbon type Microphone 30 ohms with transformer for Simon Sound recorder item A0933. 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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0560 |
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STC 4021 'APPLE & BISCUIT' MICROPHONE, 1950's Microphone Moving Coil type Nicknamed 'Apple and Biscuit' because of its shape. 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. A0317 |
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MPR CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's Low cost Carbon Microphone for the non professional market. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0318 |
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SHAFTESBURY RIBBON MICROPHONE, 1940's Ribbon Microphone for Public Address and recording systems. A0319 |
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GRAMPIAN TYPE MCR MICROPHONE, 1930's Early Moving Coil Microphone used with Public Address systems. View 2 comments about this objectA0583 |
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MAHOGANY CARBON MICROPHONE, 1930's Carbon granule type microphone in correct mounting, used for Public Address Systems. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0735 |
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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. A1255 |
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ACETYLENE GAS LAMP, 1940's A small tablet Calcium Carbide C2H2 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, which is ignited at the burner. The screw knob at the back to give varying amounts of light can control the rate of flow of the water. When the tablet has been exhausted the unit has to be cleaned before being reused. Through the glass can be seen the Carbide chamber at the bottom, the burner above, and behind this, the water reservoir which doubles as a reflector. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1691 |
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WOLF 'CUBMASTER' POWER DRILL, 1950's S.Wolf started his Company as far back as 1900, and opening his 'Pioneer' works in1935 when it became Wolf Electric Tools Ltd' at Hanger lane London NW5. In 1939 they produced a DIY drill was called 'CUB', the 'Cubmaster' came later the date being uncertain. Both drills as in later models were constructed with a solid die cast body, but only a capacity for a 1/4 inch drill maximum, running at 250 RPM and no speed control as in modern tools. This was long before other makers of DIY tools existed such as Black & Decker. The royal seal of approval was given to Wolf Electrical Tools Ltd. A1644 |
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SIGNAL TORCH WITH KEY Although not marked as military these units would double as normal torch with the added advantage of a Morse key at the rear end, enabling it to be used for signalling by Morse code. This would make them useful for military proposes. Also provided is a bracket at the end to stabilise its use when using the key. The key can be pushed in to its housing for protection, and at the other end of this housing is screw cap containing a spare bulb. See also item A1602. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1601 |
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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. 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. A1589 |
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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. A1575 |
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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. A1582 |
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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. A1571 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1555 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1545 |
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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. A1490 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1447 |
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GEC EARLY ELECTRIC FAN, 1950's An Electric Fan made by GEC. View 1 comment about this objectA0503 |
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EVER READY TORCH, 1940's Wooden Lamp with handle and lever switch. A0211 |
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DROP DOWN LAMP, 1950's Common pull down system, used in offices and shops before the Second World War. A0113 |
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EP TOY MOTOR, 1940's Possibly made for powering Meccano builds. 2.4 Volt Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0886 |
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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. 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. A1231 |
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CARBIDE LANTERN, 1950's This Lantern was used by the 3rd Boxmoor Scouts before being donated to the museum. 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. A1588 |
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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. 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. A1189 |
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CHRONOSTAMP TIME STAMP, 1950's Time stamp for items such as documents received at a Solicitors office for legal purposes. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1550 |
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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. A1345 |
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SMITH PREMIER TYPEWRITER No 10, circa 1908 This was the only full-keyboard front strike typewriter ever built. A1367 |
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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. A1368 |
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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 A0099 |
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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. A1372 |
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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 A1370 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1548 |
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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 A1374 |
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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. A1373 |
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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. A1375 |
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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. A0096 |
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FRIDEN ELECTRO MECHANICAL CALCULATOR TYPE CW8, 1960's An electromechanical calculator that will perform the four basic mathematical functions automatically. A1371 |
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MULDIVO MENTOR MECHANICAL CALCULATOR, 1960's An Odhner-type rotary pin-wheel machine. A1369 |
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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. A1335 |
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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. View 4 comments about this objectA0888 |
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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. A0921 |
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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. A0101 |
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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. A0786 |
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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. A1456 |
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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. A1157 |
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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 POCKET CALCULATOR, 1973 Cambridge calculator, the first of seven calculators produced by the company. This model was launched in August 1973 replacing the earlier Executive model and cost £32.95 inc VAT. Also in kit form for £27.95. Weighing less than 3.5oz. Nowadays we can get calculators for £1.00, how times change. View 1 comment about this objectA0769 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA1140 |
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EMIDICTA DICTATION MACHINE MODEL 2400E, 1950's Recorded magnetically on a flat disk of magnetic material this item was used as a dictation machine. A1130 |
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EMIDICTA PORTABLE DICTATION MACHINE, 1950's Recorded Magnetically on a flat disk of magnetic material and was used as a dictation machine. The machine uses the same method as a disc-cutting lathe; the head is guided by a stylus running on the black disc in the centre of the turntable. The recording head runs over a flat magnetic disc for recording, this is made of the same material as ordinary recording tape. Date of manufacture could be as early as 1948. In spite of cheap tape recorders being available after the second World War, (Magnetic tape was invented by Germany during this period) EMI made these expensive machines to compete with Edison’s wax cylinder Dicta-phones which were popular world wide. A1679 |
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HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT DIVISION BELL, 1930's Believed to be one of the bells connected to the Transmitter No2 A1137 |
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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. A0226 |
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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. A1139 |
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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. A1198 |
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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. A1276 |
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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. A0935 |
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EUMIG MINI ZOOM REFLEX 3 SUPER 8mm MOVIE CAMERA of 1972 Compact Movie (Cine) Camera of 1972, with the following specification :- A1701 |
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AGFAFLUX POCKET FLASH 6871 of 1955 Small pocket flash unit for use with bayonet type flash bulbs, see Item A0714, and having a folding type reflector as seen in the Image. Complete with a small carrying case. The lead folds up neatly for storage. To power the unit a 22.5 volt Anode battery is used. A1700 |
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ARGUS M-4 ZOOM 8mm MOVIE CAMERA of 1964 8mm Movie camera with the following specification:- A1699 |
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EARLY FOLDING GLASS HALF PLATE CAMERA, circa 1930 Folding Box Camera from around Victorian times, modified in the 1930's, as with most of these cameras the original lens has been removed, this one with an Iris assembly so that the lens can be interchanged with that of another. The original lens would have been very basic, focusing would have been possible by extending the bellows or retracting it, the lens would have had a removable cover instead of a shutter for exposure times from seconds to minutes, as the emulsion on the glass plate was much slower than later roll films. When fast emulsions became available lenses with internal irises, for depth of field, as well as fine focusing arrived so the old lens became obsolete. There is no evidence of a plate holder as this would have come with the glass plate, as an assembly. Age given is probably when the iris assembly was added; the camera body could be Victorian. Also the lens has a broad arrow indication Government Issue, but has no connection with the camera body. A1618 |
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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. A1516 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0716 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0456 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1546 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0999 |
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PATHESCOPE BABY CINE CAMERA, 1926 Cine Camera where the developed films would be shown on Projector item A0906. A1108 |
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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 the slide unit, is mounted a screen and hood assembly used for focusing if necessary. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1478 |
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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 |
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FLASH BULB, 1950's Early Flash Bulb, this has an Edison screw type cap. Instead of Magnesium wool this one uses Magnesium foil. View 1 comment about this objectA1019 |
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MAGNESIUM FLASH BULBS, 1960's Two Plug in Flash bulbs for domestic camera flash attachments. A0714 |
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THORNTON- PICKARD JUNIOR SPECIAL, CAMERA, 1928 The Thornton Pickard Junior Special Reflex Camera is a folding SLR for 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 " plates or roll film back. A1312 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1439 |
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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. A0727 |
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KODAK 'BABY BROWNIE', 1934 This was a later version of the 'Box Brownie' A0727. A1040 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1438 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1041 |
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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. A1363 |
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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 A1330 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1449 |
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KODAK 'BROWNIE 127', 1950's This was another example of the 'Brownie' series, it is made of Bakelite and was very easy to use. A0728 |
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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. A1361 |
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POLAROID 340 LAND CAMERA, 1969 The Polaroid Camera was invented in 1947 by Edwin Herbert Land (1909 - 1991) A1126 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1279 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1282 |
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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. A1360 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0834 |
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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. A0717 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0950 |
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OLYMPUS TRIP 35mm CAMERA, 1984 Olympus Trip 35mm Camera Purchased 23/06/1984. View 1 comment about this objectA0929 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0206 |
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HANIMAX 110 CAMERA, 1960's Hanimax Pocket Camera for a 110 size cartridge film. Also shown is the flash unit used with the camera. View 1 comment about this objectA0826 |
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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. A1364 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1281 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0718 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0119 |
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OPTIMUS MAGIC LANTERN, 1920's The Magic Lantern or Lanterna Magica was the ancestor of the modern slide projector. A0121 |
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MAGIC LANTERN, 1920's This Magic Lantern has an electric lamp mounted inside that is original, The Magic Lantern or Lanterna Magica was the ancestor of the modern slide projector.In the period between 1910 and 1920 this item would have cost around £3-3s-0d A1232 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1269 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0881 |
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GNOME ALPHAX MAJOR SLIDE PROJECTOR, 1970's Photographic slide projector for single slides, two and one quarter inch square. View 5 comments about this objectA0939 |
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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 View 1 comment about this objectA0906 |
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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 Pathee Freres in 1922 for the amateur market. Initially intended as an inexpensive means of providing commercially made films for the home. A1531 |
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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. A1530 |
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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. A0932 |
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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. A0205 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0106 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA0941 |
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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. A1280 |
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SMITHS DARKROOM TIMER, 1950's Well known wind up photographic darkroom timer used throughout the 1950's. View 1 comment about this objectA0112 |
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BALMORAL TAPE PLAYER, 1960's Balmoral Electronics Ltd appear to be a small electronics establishment making equipment out of readily available parts. It seems the housing was a standard box designed specifically for the BSR TD2 tape deck, the amplifier consisting of a small chassis with an EL84 and ECC83 valves and associated parts, with a mains and speaker transformer fixed to the underside of the tape deck. BSR (Birmingham Sound Reproducers) introduced the TD1 deck (sometimes called The Monarch) in 1959 with a price of £12-12-00, the TD2 was released in 1961 and ended in 1964. The 5.75-inch reels moved at 3.75 Inches per second controlled by a single short 'Joy stick' knob. In this particular example the Erase head and control have been removed, normally recording is possible by moving the volume knob on the left to the left, whilst pushing the right control knob forwards. This machine is playback only and the volume knob is fixed and replaced with an off the shelf standards example. This object was found by a Museum director in a skip in Hemel Hempstead during 2007, and may have been used by a school, being playback only. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1615 |
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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. A1592 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1378 |
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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. A1379 |
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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". A1323 |
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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. View 5 comments about this objectA0380 |
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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. View 3 comments about this objectA1277 |
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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. View 6 comments about this objectA1118 |
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ELIZABETHAN TAPE RECORDER DELUX WITH COLLARO DECK, 1961 Early "Elizabethan" Tape Recorder using a well known Collaro Tape deck. View 4 comments about this objectA1129 |
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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. View 5 comments about this objectA0166 |
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SONY WALKMAN, 1980's Portable cassette player that was small enough to fit into a pocket, famous from 1979. View 2 comments about this objectA0928 |
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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. A0100 |
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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. A1537 |
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BOOSEY & HAWKS WIREK TYPE 'A' WIRE RECORDER , 1945 Boosey and Hawkes stopped making machines and only produced sheet music after this model. A0973 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1529 |
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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. 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. A0781 |
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LUCAS 'SILVER KING' BICYCLE LAMP, 1930's Joseph Lucas started making lamps in the 1890's, for the shipping industry. This item, made from the early 1900's for bicycles, burning oil, has a very wide wick of 19mm, and gave an adequate light for cycling, in fact almost as good as Acetylene lamps of the time. Used also by the military, there was also a petrol version. This one is civilian and is made of tin plated steel. A1636 |
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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 |
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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. A1580 |
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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. A1533 |
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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. A1511 |
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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 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA1458 |
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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. A0831 |
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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. A1179 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0327 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0325 |
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BOSCH SPARK PLUG, 1914 Early spark plug for Petrol Engines. View 1 comment about this objectA0326 |
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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. 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. A1173 |
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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 |
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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. A1209 |
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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. A1283 |
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THREE STENTORIAN EXTENSION LOUDSPEAKERS, 1950's On the rear of two speakers: - This model is suitable for use as a low impedance extension loudspeaker only and has a speech coil impedance of 2 and three quarter Ohms. The extension loudspeaker terminals on the set should be connected to the two plugs provided on the loudspeaker. This loudspeaker which is fitted with a powerful Alcomax magnet is specially suitable for providing good volume as an extension loudspeaker. On the side is a volume control and on the back two pin sockets. A1698 |
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PYE MODEL 'G' of, 1932 The Pye model 'G' of 1932 was made by Pye Cambridge Ltd and incorporated the familiar Sunrise loudspeaker fret that started in 1927. It is a TRF (Tuned Radio Frequency) Circuit (not Superhet design) with MW and LW bands only. Operating from AC mains 100 to 250 Volts supply. It has a permanent magnet loudspeaker (not energised) three valves and a Westinghouse metal rectifier. Price in 1932 was 18 Guineas or £18.18.00 GBP. A1604 |
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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 A1598 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0959 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1549 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA1460 |
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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. A1366 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1340 |
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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 View 1 comment about this objectA1339 |
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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) Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1338 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1337 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1334 |
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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. A0149 |
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HMV COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE, 1937 Hallmarked silver plaque given to 'The Totland Bay Garage' in 1937 to: 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. 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. A1199 |
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CLYNE RADIO SUPERIOR 4 WIRELESS SET, 1966 Supplied as a kit, complete with instruction book and original receipt. 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. A1321 |
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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. A1315 |
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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. View 3 comments about this objectA0804 |
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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. A0846 |
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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. A0847 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0375 |
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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. View 4 comments about this objectA0374 |
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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. A1023 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA0378 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA0377 |
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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 guineas in July 1946 and was replaced by the DAC90A in Feb 1950. A Cream Bakelite version was available at Extra cost. A0148 |
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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. A1010 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1115 |
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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. A1403 |
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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. A0115 |
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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. A1318 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0312 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0159 |
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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. A0144 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0145 |
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GECOPHONE BC 3050 RECEIVER, 1920's The item shown is a single valve receiver made by GEC using a HE3 Valve. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0143 |
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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. A0142 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA1048 |
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HONEYTONE POCKET TRANSISTOR MICRO 7, 1960's Seven Transistor Miniature Pocket Radio, popular in the 1960's. A0153 |
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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. View 4 comments about this objectA0151 |
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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. A0160 |
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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. A0147 |
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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, A0785 |
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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. View 8 comments about this objectA0943 |
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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. A0872 |
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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. A0924 |
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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. A0086 |
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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. A0110 |
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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. View 1 comment about this objectA0967 |
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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. View 2 comments about this objectA0721 |
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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 A0923 |
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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. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA0173 |
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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. A1034 |
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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. View 3 comments about this objectA1131 |
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PHILIPS 660 A/U WIRELESS, 1938 Supplied by Philips Lamp Co in August 1938. Made by Mullard as Model MAS24. A1116 |
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CLIMAX FOLDING FRAME AERIAL, 1930's Frame Aerial used with early Wireless sets when a long Aerial in the garden was not possible. Be the first to write a comment about this objectA1044 |
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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. A1181 |
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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 A1155 |
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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. A1163 |
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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. A1175 |
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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. A1136 |
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'SUNRISE' EXTENSION LOUDSPEAKER, 1940's Original moving iron speaker removed and replaced with moving coil type View 1 comment about this objectA0891 |
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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. A0914 |
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'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. A1168 |
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'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 |
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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. A1164 |
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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. A1204 |
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RADIO LOUDSPEAKER HORNS, 1920's A selection of loudspeaker horns from the 1920's and a Bakelite Philips Loudspeaker from the 1930's. A0167 to A0170 |
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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. A1188 |
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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. A1233 |
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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 View 1 comment about this objectA1138 |
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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. A1206 |
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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. View 3 comments about this objectA0771 |
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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. A1162 |
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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:-. A1165 |
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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.) A0536 |
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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 A0138, A0150 |
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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. A0163, A0162 |