H. S. Electric, Ltd.
32, Charlotte Street, Birmingham (1926)

Octron Ltd.
32 Charlotte St., Birmingham (1927)
7 Duke Street, London WC2 (1931)
Regent House, Kingsway, W.C.2. (1937)
Phoenix Works, Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham (1937)

Valve Brand: Octron

Octron Ltd., formerly H.S. Electric Ltd., began producing "Octron" vacuum tubes in 1926, quickly establishing itself in the UK market. They expanded their range and operations, moving to a larger facility by 1933. While associated with other trade names, their core business was "Octron" valves. The company, which also produced cathode ray tubes, was dissolved in 1949 after operating through the early years of WWII.

Founding and Early Years
Octron Ltd. was originally established as H.S. Electric Ltd in Birmingham, UK. The company began manufacturing vacuum tubes (valves) under the Octron brand name in 1926. [1]

• On October 29, 1926, H.S. Electric Ltd filed a trademark application (No. 473,186) for "Octron" for goods in Class 8. [2]
• In December 1926, Wireless World tested Octron valves, which included a series of four types designed for 2-volt and 4-volt batteries. These valves had distinctive features such as a bakelite base of octagonal shape and a pipless bulb. [3][4]

Product Range and Development
Octron's initial product line in 1926 included:

• 2-volt valves: H.R.210, H.210, L.210, and P.240 [3][4]
• 4-volt valves: H.408 and L.408 [4]

These valves were designed for various purposes, including H.F. and resistance capacity amplification, detection, and L.F. amplification. [3][4]

Company Growth and Changes

1. On March 9, 1927, Octron Ltd (formerly H.S. Electric Ltd) announced a price reduction for their valve series from 12s. 6d. to 10s. [5]
2. On March 18, 1927, the company filed additional trademark applications (No. 475,562, 475,563, and 475,564) for various electrical goods. [6]
3. By November 25, 1927, Octron Ltd secured a debenture of £3,000, indicating financial growth or expansion. [7]
4. In the early 1930s, Octron continued to develop and manufacture valves. Their product range expanded to include models such as HF2 and PP2. [8]
5. By 1933, Octron Ltd had established its manufacturing base at Phoenix Works, Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham, with a London office at 7 Duke Street, Adelphi.

Valve Production and Trade Names
It's important to note that while Octron Ltd was associated with several trade names (Clarion, Hesco, Neutron (1934), Perfect, Silverdome, and Vega), there is no concrete evidence that they actually manufactured valves under these names. [9] The only confirmed brand name for their valve production was Octron.

The company's valve range included models such as SG2, ACSG, H2, HL2, ACHF, ACG, LP2, and ACL, which were all marketed under the Octron brand. [10]

They are listed as a supplier of cathode ray tubes in the Broadcast Trade Annual 1937. [11]

Later Years and Dissolution

1. By 1937, the company had moved its London office to Regent House, Kingsway.
2. As of January 12, 1940, Octron Ltd's capital structure consisted of £3,000 in 2,850 preference shares of £1 and 3,000 ordinary shares of 1s.
3. The company continued to operate during the early years of World War II.
4. Octron Ltd was ultimately struck off the company's register in January 1949, marking the end of its operations.

[1] Popular Wireless & Wireless Review Oct 9, 1926, Page 304.
[2] Electrical Review Oct 29, 1926, Page 740.
[3] Wireless World Dec 22, 1926, Page 840.
[4] Wireless World Dec 22, 1926, Page 841.
[5] Wireless World Mar 9, 1927, Page 287.
[6] Electrical Review Mar 18, 1927, Page 459.
[7] Electrical Review Dec 30, 1927, Page 1135.
[8] Wireless Magazine Dec 1931, Page 608.
[9] Broadcaster Trade Annual 1933 – 37.
[10] Broadcaster Trade Annual 1933.
[11] Broadcaster Trade Annual 1936 Page 206.
[12] Electrical Review Jan 24, 1941, Page 290.
[13] London Gazette 1949, Page 335.

Further References.

• History of the British Radio Valve to 1940, pages 5 and 150. K. Thrower. 
• British Radio Valves, The Classic Years: 1926 - 1946, pages 250 & 331, Supplement, Page 80. K. thrower.
• 70 years of Radio Tubes and Valves, Page 211. J W Stokes.