Argy58
Eddystone Short Wave Radio c1930s
The Eddystone name and trademark was first registered in 1925 and the lighthouse device, bearing the name of the famous lighthouse off Cornwall, was a great visual metaphor, signaling strength, communication and reliability. The first radio set, bearing the name 'Eddystone' was manufactured in 1926 and by the 1930s, Eddystone products were very much focused on short wave sets, reflecting the global interest generated by radio amateurs.
What's fascinating about Eddystone, is that the former Birmingham based radio company was initially rooted in the hair-clip and badge manufacturing business. Known as Stratton & Co Ltd, the company specialised in this market but a significant change in women's hair fashion started a downturn in business. The Flapper 'Bob' hairstyle fashion of the Roaring Twenties resulted in many women cutting their hair significantly shorter and the need for hair-clips was not a priority!
Running parallel to this fashion phenomenon was the groundswell of interest in the emerging radio technology and Stratton's decided to diversify into this new market by making small radio components for local and global markets.
By the 1930s Eddystone receivers were being used for many scientific expeditions such as the British Arctic Route Expedition and the Hudson Strait Settlement Expedition. This gave their equipment an excellent reputation with a strong endorsement from the forces during the WW11 years.
Although Eddystone was eventually sold to Marconi, the name Eddystone Radio Company became part of Marconi Communications Ltd with a sales focus on professional receivers and broadcast transmitters.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a variety of print sizes
e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi)
Eddystone Short Wave Radio c1930s
The Eddystone name and trademark was first registered in 1925 and the lighthouse device, bearing the name of the famous lighthouse off Cornwall, was a great visual metaphor, signaling strength, communication and reliability. The first radio set, bearing the name 'Eddystone' was manufactured in 1926 and by the 1930s, Eddystone products were very much focused on short wave sets, reflecting the global interest generated by radio amateurs.
What's fascinating about Eddystone, is that the former Birmingham based radio company was initially rooted in the hair-clip and badge manufacturing business. Known as Stratton & Co Ltd, the company specialised in this market but a significant change in women's hair fashion started a downturn in business. The Flapper 'Bob' hairstyle fashion of the Roaring Twenties resulted in many women cutting their hair significantly shorter and the need for hair-clips was not a priority!
Running parallel to this fashion phenomenon was the groundswell of interest in the emerging radio technology and Stratton's decided to diversify into this new market by making small radio components for local and global markets.
By the 1930s Eddystone receivers were being used for many scientific expeditions such as the British Arctic Route Expedition and the Hudson Strait Settlement Expedition. This gave their equipment an excellent reputation with a strong endorsement from the forces during the WW11 years.
Although Eddystone was eventually sold to Marconi, the name Eddystone Radio Company became part of Marconi Communications Ltd with a sales focus on professional receivers and broadcast transmitters.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a variety of print sizes
e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi)