kolsterbr: Unknown KB radio with Belgium components

ID: 444871
This article refers to the model: KB 2031 AC (?) (Kolster-Brandes; (où? where?))

? kolsterbr: Unknown KB radio with Belgium components 
31.Jan.18 09:55
49
Mike Edwards † 25.10.21 (GB)
Articles: 52
Count of Thanks: 12

Please, more information is sought on this radio.

Below is some information sent to me by Joris Van Campenhout

Found in the book: 
De ontluiking, opkomst en bloei van de Belgische radio-elektrische nijverheid en omroep in het interbellum (1919-1939),

by  Brecht Bostyn the following text (translated by Google): 

The company La Radiophonie Belge not only produced radio sets, but also acted as
agent of various manufacturers of radiophonic material. In 1929, for example, it was exclusive
representative of Brandes speakers. In 1932 La Radiophonie Belge became involved
(S.C.) a new building in the Rue du Poinçon, 53 in Brussels. Perfected that same year
this firm did its repair service and even organized a private exhibition
with regard to its commercial activities including receivers and numerous
accessories that underlined the success of the radio medium, despite the crisis. The
company distributed among others the brands Zenith (U.S.A.) and Kolster-Brandes (U.S.A.).
In addition, La radiophonie Belge acted as Belgian agent for manufacturers of various accessories
 
Furthermore i was today in the Omroepmuseum, and noted these things:
 
  • The set uses some Belgian components: capacitors of B.B. (a Brussels components manufacturer, capacitors of the Antwerp division of Bell Telephone
  • the rear panel fuse is made by Gardy, a Brussels company
  • The tubes carry the licence certificate of SEM and SBR, two Belgian radio companies
  • the tuning scale is made for Belgium.
 
Please look at the pictures. All this make me think that this set was built in Belgium, for the Belgian market. And that this KB radio is not a model 444.

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 2
kolsterbr: Unknown KB radio with Belgium components 
31.Jan.18 22:41
49 from 1219
Mark Hippenstiel (D)
Articles: 1192
Count of Thanks: 10
Mark Hippenstiel

We recently introduced a similar case for Belgium, the Lorenz 636. There was virtually no evidence for a custom production of Lorenz sets for the Belgian market, but with a bit of research the origin (Radiobell 636) could be found, as well as some sparse information about the brand - justifying the creation of Lorenz Belgium.

The 636 also carrys the brand, model type, and a date mark on the dial, similar to this one.

As Bell Telephone (also owned by ITT) produced Radiobell and Lorenz sets, it's not unthinkable that a British design (KB 2031 AC?) found its way into production.

The site of Thierry Magis (radiocollection.be) names Kolster-Brandes as a brand that was distributed by Bell. So there might have been models devised for the Belgian market, and even produced by Bell. One such example would be the Kolster Brandes No.1 which is a Radiobell 535 "clone".

Either way these cases are uncommon and scarce, and little to no information can be found - with the exception of the radio in question:

It's the/a 1934 model Kolster-Brandes, advertised by J. Duponselle, official reseller of the Radiophonie Belge, between January and March 1934, sadly without a type number. The cabinet is obviously that of KB444. I will upload the advertisement to the model.

These models could be grouped together under a new brand entry for Kolster-Brandes in Belgium.

Kind regards
Mark

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 3
kolsterbr: Unknown KB radio with Belgium components 
31.Jan.18 23:07
51 from 1219
Mike Edwards † 25.10.21 (GB)
Articles: 52
Count of Thanks: 12

Hi Mark

Although the "look" of the cabinet is very similar to the KB 444 there is a distinct difference in size. The KB 444 is 520mm wide whereas the "Unknown" one is 555mm wide.

regards

Mike

 

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