Watmel Wireless Co, Ltd.
332a, Goswell Road, London EC1. (1925)
Imperial Works, High Street. Edgware, London W1. (1930)

Brands: Watmel / Imperial / Orthotone

Watmel Wireless Co. (1922-?), a British radio player, emerged in the early component boom. Founded by A.E. Watkins (engineer) and C.D. Melhuish (instrument maker), they began with variable grid leak resistors in 1923, followed by other components. By 1925, they were incorporated as a limited company. However, financial troubles surfaced in 1926 with Melhuish petitioning for winding up (reason unknown). Despite this, Watmel continued and transitioned into complete radio sets by 1928, showcasing the "Orthotone" cabinet set. The 1930s saw them actively promoting new products like the 3-valve receiver and "Universal" dual-range tuner. While listed as manufacturers in 1937, Watmel's existence beyond that remains unclear. Their story reflects the dynamism and challenges of the early radio industry.

Watmel Wireless Co.: A Short-Lived Spark in the Early Radio Boom (1922 - ?)

Watmel Wireless Co., a British company founded around 1922 by A. E. Watkins (electrical engineer) and C. D. Melhuish (instrument maker), was a player in the early days of radio component manufacturing. While their exact lifespan remains unclear, available records suggest a period of activity between the early 1920s and possibly the late 1930s.

Early Days: Components and Ambition (1922 - 1925)

Watmel started by manufacturing radio components like variable grid leak resistors. Their 1923 advertisement for this product highlighted its wide resistance range and suitability for various valve detectors. An expansion into other components such as resistors and condensers followed this.

In January 1925, Watmel took a significant step by incorporating as a limited company, indicating their ambition for growth.[1]

Financial Turmoil and Melhuish's Departure (1926)

However, just a year later, in May 1926, Charles Donald Melhuish, a co-founder and director, petitioned for the company's winding up. [2] The reason behind this drastic step remains unknown. Despite the petition, Watmel continued trading, with Melhuish later advertising his own brand of condensers, suggesting a potential split.[3]

Embracing Complete Receivers (1928 - 1930s)

By 1928, Watmel had shifted focus to complete radio sets. They showcased their "Orthotone" cabinet set at the British Industries Fair, marking their entry into the receiver market.  [4] This trend continued, with their presence at the 1928 Olympia exhibition featuring an all-mains receiver with a gramophone pick-up. [4]

The 1930s saw Watmel actively promoting their new products like the 3-valve receiver and the "Universal" dual-range tuner in various publications and trade fairs. These efforts suggest they were determined to compete in the growing market for home radio sets.

A Fading Signal (Late 1930s?)

Watmel's existence beyond the late 1930s is uncertain. While they were listed as manufacturers in the 1937 edition of "The Broadcaster & Wireless Retailer," there's a lack of further information. This suggests the company might have ceased operations sometime after 1937. [5]

Watmel's Legacy: A Snapshot of Early Radio Innovation

Despite its relatively short lifespan, Watmel Wireless Co. provides a glimpse into the early days of radio component and receiver manufacturing in Britain. Their story reflects the dynamism and challenges faced by companies during this period of rapid technological advancement. The available records paint a picture of a company that started with components, ventured into complete sets, and actively marketed its products. While their ultimate fate remains unclear, Watmel's contribution lies in being a part of the vibrant radio industry during its formative years.

[1] The Electrician Jan 30, 1925, Page 138.
[2] London Gazette May 7, 1926, Page 3118.
[3] Amateur Wireless Oct 8, 1927, Page 507.
[4] The Electrician Mar 9, 1928, Page 440.
[5] Modern Wireless Oct 1928, Page 333
[6] Popular Wireless Sep 27, 1930, Page 139.