Name: | Amplion (Brand), Alfred Graham & Co., Graham Amplion Ltd., Amplion (1932) Ltd.; London (GB) |
Abbreviation: | amplion |
Products: | Model types Tube manufacturer Brand Valve re-brand |
Summary: |
Alfred Graham & Co. The Algraphone Salon Graham Amplion Ltd. Amplion (1932) Ltd. Amplion Ltd. Brands: Amplion, Algraphone Alfred Graham & Co., established in the late 1880s by Alfred Graham, Edward Graham, and Joseph Arthur Dearlove, began as a pioneer in ship telephones and naval communication systems. The company gained prominence with its patented loud-speaking naval telephones, adopted by the British Admiralty and installed on iconic ships like the Titanic, Olympic, and Dreadnought-class battleships. Their products included exchange switchboards, sound-powered telephones for warships, and silver-plated phones for luxury liners. By 1919, they had completed over 12,000 ship installations. |
Founded: | 1894 |
Closed: | 1970 |
Production: | 1894 - 1970 |
History: |
In 1920, Graham Amplion Ltd. focused on loudspeakers and radio products. The company diversified into gramophones (Algraphones), public address systems, automobile horns, and ground-air wireless communication. Their innovative products were showcased at events like the British Industries Fair 1922. Expansion included a new factory in Brackley (1911) and later a larger facility in Slough (1928). Despite early success, competition and market challenges led to their decline. In 1970, the company was wound up. HISTORY Alfred Graham & Co. was established in the late 1880s as a partnership between Alfred Graham and Edward Graham. The company initially specialized in ship telephones and later expanded into other electrical engineering products. [1] Dearlove's background was impressive. Born in 1859 in Higham Park, Northamptonshire, he was educated at Salway House, Leyton, and King's College. He received mechanical training with Latimer Clark, Muirhead, and Co., and later joined Clark, Forde, and Taylor, submarine cable engineers. Dearlove participated in significant cable-laying projects, including the establishment of duplex working between London and Emden in 1878, and cable installations in Venezuela, Curacao, San Domingo, Haiti, and Cuba in 1888. [4] The company's early years were marked by significant innovations: Early Innovations
Expansion and Growth The company continued to grow and innovate in the early 20th century:
Diversification In the 1920s, the company diversified its product range:
Company Restructuring In November 1926, following the death of E. A. Graham, the business was divided into two limited companies:
Alfred Graham, the founder, returned to the business and accepted the chairmanship of both companies' boards. [7] International Expansion Graham Amplion, Ltd. controlled an international organization that included:
Later Years and Decline In May 1932, Amplion (1932) Ltd. was registered as a private company to carry on the business of manufacturing and retailing wireless telegraphy, telephony, and television products. [8] In April 1938, Graham Amplion Ltd. had a capital of £200,000 in 5,000 preference and 195,000 ordinary shares of £1. [9] However, in May 1939, Graham Amplion Ltd. was struck off the register of companies. [10] Amplion (1932) Ltd. continued the legacy of the Graham Amplion company, focusing on audio equipment and expanding into wireless receivers, public address systems, hearing aid battery charging equipment, and photographic equipment. In 1936, the company moved to a new factory at Power Road, Chiswick. In 1945, Amplion became part of the Rank empire, leading to further expansion with a new factory opening in Ernesettle, Plymouth in 1949. Despite some successes, Amplion (1932) Ltd. faced challenges in the competitive post-war market. The company's fortunes declined over the following decades, leading to its eventual closure. In August 1960 at the 27th British National Radio and Television Show at Earls Court Amplion Limited of the same Cricklewood Lane address as Amplion (1932), Ltd. displayed a number of record reproducers, tape recorders, and battery eliminators, as well as a stereo amplifier and transistor receiver. The " Marine " tape recorder is very unusual in that it can be operated from DC as well as AC mains.[12] The company's fortunes declined over the following decade, leading to its eventual closure. In early 1970, Amplion was struck off the Register of Companies and dissolved, marking the end of its long history in the British electronics industry [13]
[1] Electrical Review Aug 19, 1904, Page 296.
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Country | Year | Name | 1st Tube | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB | 23 | Dragon AR19 | petal oak horn, also available in mahogany or metal(?) There is also a model, specially m... | |
GB | 24 | Dragonfly AR102 | 2000 ohms; there is also the 120 ohm model AR 101. This model was sold in France as Lib... | |
GB | 30 | Two Valve All-Mains | 354V | Metal Rectifier This model is also listed as the "Amplion AC 2". |
GB | 31 | AC Six 6 | S4VB | first receiver to use a variable-mu screen-grid valve; local/distance switch. |
GB | 32 | Amplion Table Model | Metal rectifier. | |
GB | 39 | Alternative | Red crackle paint. Also battery only version ADP2 (1946). | |
GB | 46 | ADP2 [3Q5] | 1A7GT | Red crackle paint. Frame aerial consists of a MW winding plus a loading coil for LW. Frame... |
GB | 47 | Delegate HU610 | 12K8GT | Uses a Barretter which can be shorted out for 110V with a switch. Some models have "Emsto... |
GB | 24 | Junior AR39 | Amplion Junior AR-39. Impedance 2000 ohms. This model was sold in France as Amplionette... | |
GB | 23–26 | Concert Dragon Horn AR35 | 10-petal oak horn, impedance 500 or 2000 ohms switchable, AR35 reproducer was also sold fo... | |
GB | 25 | New Junior de luxe AR 114 | oak or mahogany trumpet; 2000 ohms; there is also the 120 ohm model AR 113. | |
GB | 24/25 | Dragonfly AR 101 | 120 ohms; there is also the 2000 ohm model AR 102. |
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