Unknown Sets

This page contains those sets which we have been unable to positively identify. Hopefully, with the help of visitors to this site, these sets will soon be moved to the correct section.

If you can identify any of the sets here, please contact me. Thanks.


HMV or Marconiphone 1940s Bakelite

Wavebands - MW, 2 x SW

Valves - X55, 6Q7/G, 2516GT, KTW61, U31

Date - 1940s ?

Status - Contributed photo and description

Colin Carmichael provided the photograph and the following description:

This lovely Bakelite radio is a mystery to me. The case is identical to the Marconi 911 of 1940, but the dial on this one is flat instead of being curved, the grill is all Bakelite and the 911 has LW/MW/SW but this has MW and SW 1 and 2. The 911 also has no tone control and this one has, and the 911 is AC only but this is AC/DC! If any one can identify it,then please email me: senga (at) greenhills.fsnet.co.uk

The chassis is mounted up side down, which makes a change, and the dropper resistor is very unusual. It is made up of about 8 lengths of coiled up resistance wire (they are about 5 cm long). They look rather like the elements of a hair dryer or a fan heater. The set works very well after minimum restoration. It is sensitive and selective, especially on short wave. The sound quality is also very good, despite the fact that the speaker is only 4 inches in diameter!

I find the radios design very attractive, the cabinet has lots of lovely marbling and it is very classy with lots of fancy louvers and ribs around the casing. It is in fact my favourite Bakelite set, and the oldest Bakelite in my collection!

Full details of Colin's restoration of this set are given in the Recent Repairs section.




This website, including all text and images not otherwise credited, is copyright © 1997 - 2006 Paul Stenning.
No part of this website may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Paul Stenning.
All details are believed to be accurate, but no liability can be accepted for any errors.
The types of equipment discussed on this website may contain high voltages and/or operate at high temperatures.
Appropriate precautions must always be taken to minimise the risk of accidents.

Last updated 14th April 2006.