The 362 Radio Valve Co., Ltd.
 415, Mare Street, Hackney, E8 (1933)|
Stoneham Road, Upper Clapton, London, E5. (1934)
324-326, Liverpool Road, London, N7. (1937)

The 362 Radio Valve Co., Ltd. was a British manufacturer specialising in radio valves for the amateur market, operating from 1933 to around 1938. It produced a range of innovative valves, including directly and indirectly heated types, power valves, and transmitting pentodes, before ceasing operations and being officially struck off the company's register in December 1947.

Foundation and Early Years (1933)

• The company was officially registered on April 20, 1933, as a private entity with a capital of £250 in 1-shilling shares. Its stated business objectives included manufacturing wireless valves, electric lamps, X-ray tubes, and other electrical equipment. [1]
• The initial directors were C. Croydon-Fowler and Dr. S. Turtle, with the registered office located at 415 Mare Street, Hackney, E8. [1]
• Manufacturing began at the Stoneham Works on Stoneham Road, Upper Clapton, London, E5.

Product Range and Market Focus

• The company primarily targeted the amateur radio market and initially produced both battery and AC valves.
• At the Olympia Exhibition in August 1933, it showcased its "Toledo" metal-cased valves and Class "B" components. [2]
• In January 1934, the company introduced the 362 "Class B" Unit & Speaker, a compact combination product. This unit included an accurately matched "Class B" amplifier and a high-quality Permanent Magnet Moving Coil Speaker, complete with a 362 "Class B" valve. The product was designed to easily convert battery-powered radio sets to "Class B" amplification, offering significantly increased volume and improved tone quality while maintaining low H.T. current consumption. This innovation demonstrates the company's focus on developing products for the amateur radio market and its efforts to improve the performance of existing radio sets. [3]
• By 1935, its product line included directly heated valves (2V, 4V, and 6V models) and indirectly heated types. Notable introductions included the duo-diode-triode and heptode frequency changer, alongside power valves like PX25 and PX50. [4]
• In 1936, the company expanded into high-power transmitting valves such as RF pentodes (e.g., RFP15) and split-anode teltrons like the MP4. These products were suitable for both small transmitters and advanced applications.

Operations and Locations
The company relocated its operations multiple times:

• In 1934, it operated from Stoneham Road, Upper Clapton.
• By 1937, it had moved to 324–326 Liverpool Road, Highbury, London, N7.

Peak Activity (1937)

• At the Olympia Exhibition in August 1937, the company displayed an extensive range of products including small valves for super-regenerative receivers (SR2 and SR4), tetrodes (MP4), and transmitting pentodes. This marked a shift toward focusing on transmitting valves and rectifiers. [5]
• Advertisements during this period emphasised their specialization in transmitting valves and rectifiers. [6]

Decline and Cessation of Operations

• Advertising ceased in radio magazines around mid-1938, signalling a decline in activity.
• Production is believed to have stopped by late 1937 or early 1938.
• The company was officially struck off the companies register in December 1947. [7]

Legacy
The 362 Radio Valve Co., Ltd. played a notable role in the British radio valve industry during its brief existence from 1933 to approximately 1938. Its focus on innovative designs for amateur radio enthusiasts and transmitting applications highlights its contribution to early wireless technology development.

[1] Electrical Review Apr 26, 1933, Page 616.
[2] Wireless World Aug 25, 1933, Page 180.
[3] Practical Wireless Jan 6, 1934, Page 788.
[4] Wireless World Aug 16, 1935, Page 188.
[5] Wireless World Aug 27, 1937, Page 223.
[6] Television & Shortwave Aug 1937, Page iii.
[7] London Gazette Dec 19, 1947, Page 6036.