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History of the manufacturer  

Briton Electrical & Radio Pty. Ltd ("Rational Radio"); Sydney, NSW.

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Name: Briton Electrical & Radio Pty. Ltd ("Rational Radio"); Sydney, NSW.    (AUS)  
Abbreviation: briton
Products: Model types
Summary:

Briton Electrical & Radio Pty. Ltd.
25-27 Mountain Street, Sydney, NSW (1934 - 1937)
152-156 Parramatta Road, Petersham, NSW (1937 - 1942)

Brands: Briton, Aeolian

Established in 1935 by the Briton Brothers to manufacture radio receivers. They manufactured a range of AC and battery powered radios. In 1936 they introduced Vibrator powered receivers and by 1938 the radios resembled the Philips-Mullard style.
Founded: 1934
Closed: 1942
Production: 1934 - 1939
History:

Engineer John Noel Briton B.Sc., B.E., A.M.I.E. (Aust) (1907- 1965) left the Metropolitan Electric Co. (Radiokes) in 1934 and formed the Briton Electrical & Radio Company in a partnership with his brother James.[1]

They manufactured Briton radio receivers and distributed them through agents in all states of Australia and under the Aeolian brand through Cordery, Wells & Co. Ltd. in Christchurch, New Zealand.[2] They produced AC and battery powered radios and used Philips valves exclusively.

In July 1936 John Briton registered Briton Electrical & Radio Pty. Ltd. [3] The company added accumulator (Vibrator) powered radios to their inventory. In late 1936 the company started using the slogan “Rational Radio by Briton, they are RATIONAL in construction, in appearance, in price.” [4] They marketed all radios from this time as “Rational Radio by Briton” in advertisements and “Rational Radio” on dials and bakelite escutcheons on some models.

By 1938 John Briton had left the company and was Manager in charge of radio production at HMV.[4]

Also in 1938 the company manufactured some sets similar to the Philips "Theatrette" radios using chassis-less construction and thereafter most Briton models were identical to the Philips/Mullard brand of radios and may have been manufactured by Philips.

In December 1942, the company name changed to Philips Exports (Electrical) Company Pty. Ltd. [5]

[1] Wireless Weekly July 1, 1932, Page 23.
[2] Radio Trade Annual 1936, page 319.
[3] The Daily Telegraph (NSW) Jul 4, 1936, Page 13.
[4] Education, Dec 10, 1936, Page 24
[5] Radio Trade Annual 1938, page 384.
[6] Dunn’s Gazette, Jan 9, 1942, Page 12.

This manufacturer was suggested by Peter Hughes.

Some models:
Country Year Name 1st Tube Notes
AUS  39 Devon 34 KK2  Farm radio. Vibrator for +B. 
AUS  39 B352 EK2G   
AUS  39 B540 KK2  Farm radio. Power supply unit: B30. 
AUS  39 Power Supply B30   Power converter to supply voltages from built in storage battery. For use with Briton mode... 
AUS  39 B440 KK2  Farm radio. Power supply unit: B30. 
AUS  39 B452 6U7G   
AUS  37 12 [6 tubes] CF2  Not to be confused with earlier model 12 which was 5 valve BC only. 
AUS  36 6 KF3   
AUS  39 33 27A EK2   
AUS  35 6MD EK1   
AUS  37 18 KF3   
AUS  37 19 EF5   
[rmxhdet-en]

Further details for this manufacturer by the members (rmfiorg):

[1] Wireless Weekly July 1, 1932, Page 23. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_1_wireless_weekly_july_1_1932_page_23.jpg
[2] Radio Trade Annual 1936, page 319. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_2_radio_trade_annual_1936_page_319.jpg
The Daily Telegraph (NSW) Jul 4, 1936, Page 13. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_3_the_daily_telegraph_nsw_jul_4_1936_page_13.jpg
[4] Education, Dec 10, 1936, Page 24. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_4_education_dec_10_1936_page_24.jpg
[5] Radio Trade Annual 1938, page 384.tbn_aus_briton_5_radio_trade_annual_1938_page_384.jpg
[6] Dunn’s Gazette, Jan 9, 1942, Page 12.tbn_aus_briton_6_dunns_gazette_jan_9_1942_page_12.jpg
Radio Trade Annual 1936, page 344tbn_aus_briton_radio_trade_annual_1936_page_344.jpg
Advertisement in "Radio Retailer of Australia", November 22nd, 1935, showing the chassis of models 6CDM and 4CD. Stuart Irwin has sent it to me.tbn_briton_electrical_6cdm_and_4cd.jpg
The Rational Radio series of Briton radios for 1937. The Bulletin, Dec 22, 1937, Cover. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_the_bulletin_dec_22_1937_cover.jpg
The Rational Radio series of Briton radios for 1937. Catholic Freeman's Journal (NSW) Nov11, 1937, page 11. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_catholic_freeman_s_journal_nsw_nov11_1937_page_11.jpg
List of models 1-21. Wireless Weekly Aug 13, 1937,Page 67. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_wireless_weeklyaug_13_1937_page_67.jpg
Wireless Weekly Mar 26, 1937, Cover. Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_wireless_weekly_mar_26_1937_cover.jpg
Theatrette radio. Wireless Weekly Jul 15, 1938, Cover Image sourced from Trove – National Library of Australiatbn_aus_briton_wireless_weekly_jul_15_1938_cover.jpg
  
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