Fraser & Glass
Assembly Works, Middle Lane, Hornsey, London N8. (1923 –          )

Brand: Fortevox

Fraser & Glass: Bakelite Pioneers (1921-1930s)

Fraser & Glass, a company shrouded in some mystery, emerged around 1921. W. Petrie Fraser, trading under this name, filed a trademark (Fortevox) for radio components in 1923. Operating from Middle Lane, Hornsey, London, they manufactured Bakelite knobs and even crystal set housings.
Though active in the 1920s and possibly 1930s, radio component advertisements vanish by the mid-1920s, leaving questions about their marketing or product shift. Despite the gaps, Fraser & Glass remains a testament to early radio innovation and the impact of Bakelite on this technology.

Unveiling Fraser & Glass: Pioneering Bakelite Components (1921-1930s)

Fraser & Glass, a company shrouded in a bit of mystery, played a role in the early days of radio. While the exact founding date remains unknown, historical records indicate their activity from at least 1921 onwards.

The Birth of Fortevox (1923):

In February 1923, W. Petrie Fraser, trading as Fraser & Glass, filed a trademark application (No. 486,079) for "Fortevox," a name intended for use with "apparatus for use in connection with wireless telegraphy and telephony." This trademark registration, categorized under Class 8, suggests Fraser & Glass envisioned Fortevox as a brand for radio components. [1]

Innovation with Bakelite (1920s):

Fraser & Glass's primary focus seems to have been on Bakelite components. Bakelite, a revolutionary new plastic material, found its way into various radio parts during this era. The company manufactured Bakelite knobs, dials, and even entire housings for crystal sets, operating out of their Assembly Works located on Middle Lane, Hornsey, London.[2] [3]

A Glimpse into Operations (1920s-1930s):

Available information suggests Fraser & Glass remained active throughout the 1920s and possibly into the 1930s. While concrete evidence is lacking, their presence can be traced through the trademark application for Fortevox. Interestingly, advertisements for radio components associated with Fraser & Glass seem to have disappeared from the record by the late1920s. This raises questions about the company's marketing strategies or a potential shift in its product line.

Beyond the Curtain:

Despite the intriguing details, a complete picture of Fraser & Glass remains elusive. Further research might uncover more information about their specific products, marketing strategies, and ultimate fate. Yet, based on the available evidence, Fraser & Glass stands as a testament to the early days of radio innovation and the role Bakelite played in shaping this revolutionary technology.

[1] Electrical Review Jun 15, 1923, Page 832.
[2] Popular Wireless May 5, 1923, Page 460.
[3] Wireless Weekly Sep 16, 1925, Page 795