I'm not quite sure what attracted me to this radio because at one time I was anti circular tuning dials, but I seamed to have accepted them now, I suppose it's the most popular shape of the late 1950s used by lots of popular makers. This one however is quite rare, I don't think I could find another example and it was grouped with some other models in the 1962 circuit data book, so it may be earlier, it certainly looks more naive than 1960.
The repair
It was in such at poor state I completely stripped it all down to cabinet parts, the brass was very tarnished, would have benefited by being lacquered at manufacture, the tuning dial was broke with the brass centre missing. I used a lady's earring for that made from plastic. The volume and tuning holes had brass inserts that i cleaned, speaker grill cleaned with toothbrush and cabinet cleaned with soapy water, unfortunately the heavily soiled areas lost some of the print from th Rexine coating, in some areas I drew it back with a pencil.
My receiver was working? knock me down with a feather, but I included information for anyone who may need help with this one.
Take care when removing the tuning knob as they are very brittle when this old and will snap easily, put a screwdriver on each side of the spindle and ease out together. Large battery's from this period can still be found, but are quite expensive, I used a pp3 and she worked fine.
The carry handle was perished and removed, I polished the brass covers and rust treated the steel strap and fitted a new strap made from an old belt. Another piece of English radio history lives to face another day.
I was so lucky today to have received what looks to be the original sales box for my radio in great condition, little miracles like this never cease to amaze me. This will more than double the value of the radio if I ever decide (not my babies) to sell it.
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