Merchant Manufacturing Co, Ltd.
20 Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn Circus, London EC1 (1927-1928)

Beriton Ltd.
20 Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn Circus, London EC1 (1928-1931)

Beriton was a UK-based brand that emerged in the late 1920s, initially under Merchant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., offering a range of innovative radio valves and later expanding to include products like the Beriton All British Loudspeaker and battery eliminators. Despite its promising start with affordable and high-quality products, Beriton's operations ceased by early 1931, leaving behind a brief but notable legacy in the early days of radio technology.

Merchant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (1927)

• Founding and Address: Merchant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was based at 20 Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn Circus, London EC1. The company first advertised its products around October 1927.[1]
• Product Line: The company introduced a range of twelve triode valves with thoriated tungsten filaments, available in three filament voltage ranges (2V, 4V, and 6V). These included types for High Frequency (HF), Low Frequency (LF), Resistance-Capacitance (RC), and Power applications. [2]
• Claims of British Manufacture: While British manufacture was claimed, the actual manufacturer remains unknown.[7]
• Marketing Strategy: The company heavily emphasised the quality and affordability of its valves in advertisements. For instance:
  • In Radio Times (Oct 21, 1927), the "Beriton" valve was marketed as a "revelation in design" and a "pleasure-giving masterpiece" with efficient design, careful manufacture, and long life due to its thoriated tungsten filament. [1]
  • In Wireless World (Nov 16, 1927), it was promoted as "The Cheapest Valve in the World," highlighting features like non-microphonic performance, clarity, and better reproduction at a lower cost. [2]

Transition to Beriton Ltd. (1928)

• Trademark Application: In December 1927, Merchant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. filed a trademark application for "Beriton," covering radio-telephony valves, loudspeakers, telephones, accumulators, and dry batteries. [3]
• Company Reorganisation: On March 24, 1928, Beriton Ltd. was registered as a private company to acquire the assets of Merchant Manufacturing Co., Ltd., which went into voluntary liquidation. The new company retained the same address at 20 Bartlett's Buildings. [4]
• Capital Structure: Beriton Ltd. had a capital of £2,000 divided into preference shares, ordinary shares, and deferred shares. The first directors included J.W. Wilesmith (accountant), A. James (engineer), and C. Kendall (electrician). Wilesmith served as the permanent governing director and chairman. [4]

Expansion of Product Line (May 1928)

• New Products: In May 1928, Beriton Ltd. advertised the "Beriton All British Loudspeaker" and a battery eliminator as part of their expanded product offerings. These products complemented their existing line of radio valves. [5]

Decline and Dissolution (1931)

• End of Operations: By early 1931, Beriton Ltd. ceased operations and was struck off the Companies Register (London Gazette, Jan 23, 1931). [6]
• Legacy: Despite its short-lived existence, Beriton Ltd.'s marketing efforts showcased innovative approaches to promoting radio valves during a period of rapid technological advancement in consumer electronics.

[1] Radio Times Oct 21, 1927, Page 360.
[2] Wireless World Nov 16, 1927, Page Ad 12.
[3] The Electrician Dec 2, 1927, Page 714.
[4] Electrical Review Apr 6, 1928, Page 606.
[5] Modern Wireless World May 1928, Page 567.
[6] London Gazette Jan 23, 1931, Page 539.
[7] Thrower, Keith, R.; British Radio Valves, The Classic Years 1926-1946; Page 339 &  Supplement to 'The Classic Years: 1926-1946'; Page 6.