Campbell & Addison Ltd.
40 Howland Street. Fitzroy Square, London W1. (1927)
77 Rochester Row, Westminster, London SW1 (1928)

Rolls-Caydon Sales Co.
77 Rochester Row, Westminster, London SW1 (1928 -1934)

Brands: Caydon, Rolls-Caydon

Portable Pioneers: The Rise and Fall of Caydon and Rolls-Caydon Radios

In October 1927, Campbell & Addison Ltd. made their mark on the burgeoning radio scene by registering the trademark Caydon. [1]

Their claim to fame? Exquisite, portable radio receivers housed in sleek attaché cases, with the speaker cleverly integrated within. These luxurious sets, perfect for the discerning listener on the go, quickly captured attention at the prestigious August 1927 Olympia radio exhibition in London.

Wireless World, a revered publication of the time, marveled at the new "Long-range Portable" model. Its compact design, improved circuitry, and impressive range offered a compelling alternative to bulkier options. Oak and pearl walnut finishes catered to various tastes, with the latter boasting a top-tier Celestion loudspeaker for an additional five guineas.

For the truly sophisticated, a sumptuous pigskin "Dispatch Case Model" reigned supreme at a princely 40 guineas.

Campbell & Addison's forward-thinking vision extended beyond portable listening. Anticipating the BBC's Regional Scheme, they unveiled an innovative "Table Model." Capable of operating without cumbersome aerials, it promised a clear reception of the anticipated regional programs, while still receiving established stations like Daventry. This model relied on Simplicon variable condensers, praised for their internal reduction gear, manufactured by Birmingham-based Messrs. Williams and Moffat. [2]

The company's ambition grew in 1928 with the formation of Rolls-Caydon Sales Co. Under this new banner, they continued to push the boundaries of portable radio luxury. The 1929 Olympia exhibition saw showcases like the "Regional" and "Phantom Regional" suitcase sets, ideal for travel, alongside more mobile options like the "Super Ranger Screened Four." Their partnership with Celestion further elevated the audio experience, ensuring perfect harmony between receivers and speakers. [3]

Campbell & Addison Ltd.'s journey, however, ended in September 1934, when their name was removed from the company register. While the reasons for their dissolution remain obscure, their legacy lives on in the memory of these exquisitely crafted, portable radios that offered a glimpse into the future of personal radio entertainment. [4]

[1] Electrical Review Nov 4, 1927, Page 799.
[2] Wireless World Sep 28, 1927, Page 411.
[3] Amateur Wireless Sep 21, 1929, Page 360.
[3] London Gazette Sep 14, 1934, Page 5842.