Mantle Radio [Clipper]
Maker and role
Akrad Radio Corporation Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1954-1956
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2002.22
Production period
Description
Clipper Mantle Radio.
White plastic case with speaker on the left and band panel on the right. There are 3 turning knobs on the front. On the left is the volume knob, in the centre is the tone knob and on the right is the tuning knob. A red band selector needle, which lies in a horizontal plane, moves up and down when the tuning knob is rotated. Inside the band panel, numbers are printed to indicate the band and "Clipper / VOLUME / TONE / TUNING" is printed.
The back of the radio is open and inside wiring, electrical components, valves, and the speaker can be seen mounted on a metal base. On one of the components, "DUCON / NEW ZEALAND / CODE MFD DCWV P.V / 30 350 400 / [...]" is printed in black. A red cord extends from the right side and has a white plastic NZ mains power adaptor with " 240 VOLT / T351 10 AMP" embossed on it at the end. On the base "WARNING / This Receiver operates 230 volts [?] / Remove line plug [?] / making [?]" is printed in a yellow box. There is another box with text and "212979" printed in black. "98228" is engraved.
White plastic case with speaker on the left and band panel on the right. There are 3 turning knobs on the front. On the left is the volume knob, in the centre is the tone knob and on the right is the tuning knob. A red band selector needle, which lies in a horizontal plane, moves up and down when the tuning knob is rotated. Inside the band panel, numbers are printed to indicate the band and "Clipper / VOLUME / TONE / TUNING" is printed.
The back of the radio is open and inside wiring, electrical components, valves, and the speaker can be seen mounted on a metal base. On one of the components, "DUCON / NEW ZEALAND / CODE MFD DCWV P.V / 30 350 400 / [...]" is printed in black. A red cord extends from the right side and has a white plastic NZ mains power adaptor with " 240 VOLT / T351 10 AMP" embossed on it at the end. On the base "WARNING / This Receiver operates 230 volts [?] / Remove line plug [?] / making [?]" is printed in a yellow box. There is another box with text and "212979" printed in black. "98228" is engraved.
Brief History
This valve radio was designed and manufactured by Akrad Radio Corporation in the late 1950s. Akrad is an acronym for ‘Auckland Radio’ which was founded by Keith M Wrigley in Waihi in 1932. In 1953 Akrad became associated with PYE Radio Ltd of England and successfully launched New Zealand-made radios into the market. By 1958 Akrad employed more than 200 people in its Waihi factory.
Valve radios such as this were superseded by the more portable and compact transistor radios in the 1950s and 1960s.
Valve radios such as this were superseded by the more portable and compact transistor radios in the 1950s and 1960s.
Marks
Clipper / VOLUME / TONE / TUNING Printed
DUCON / NEW ZEALAND / CODE MFD DCWV P.V / 30 350 400 / [...] Printed
240 VOLT / T351 10 AMP Embossed
WARNING / This Receiver operates 230 volts [?] / Remove line plug [?] / making [?] Printed
212979 Printed
98228 Engraved
DUCON / NEW ZEALAND / CODE MFD DCWV P.V / 30 350 400 / [...] Printed
240 VOLT / T351 10 AMP Embossed
WARNING / This Receiver operates 230 volts [?] / Remove line plug [?] / making [?] Printed
212979 Printed
98228 Engraved
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Akrad Radio Corporation Limited. 1954-1956. Mantle Radio [Clipper], 2002.22. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
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