Television, Dynatron TV23A Falcon manufactured by Dinatron Radio Ltd, wood, metal, bakelite, 1949

A tall, columnar television set in the shape of a round-cornered cuboid. It has a wooden carcase veneered with walnut and burr walnut. The twin doors on the set's front open to the screen and controls. The screen is positioned near the top of the set, beneath it are two Bakelite knobs (power and volume). Between the knobs is a small rectangular door, which opens downwards to reveal more picture controls. Below this door is the loudspeaker, located behind a metal grille. The whole set stands on four short cylindrical legs.

Given by D.W. Kendall

Given to the Museum in 1960 by D.W. Kendall of Welwyn, Hertfordshire [80/1352]. On entry to the Museum its condition was noted as 'good'. A packing note included with the acquisition shows that the television was delivered brand new to the donor's father in May 1949. Accompanying it was an instruction booklet dated January 1950. The acquiring curator wrote: 'this was an important addition to the Museum's now very representative collection of radio and television sets which has been assembled with an eye on their design as pieces of furniture. The former owner, having heard that the Museum was forming such a collection, rang and offered this set as a gift'.

Dynatron was a trading name of H Hacker and Sons and the business, founded in 1927, manufactured radiograms, televisions and radios. Their aim was to design and produce products of the highest quality combined with cutting edge technlogy. They targeted the luxury market, making televisions to a high specification encased in beautiful wooden cabinets to enhance the home.

The business operated independently before being bought by Ekco in 1954. In 1960, Ekco merged with Pye, and then Pye was bought by Philips in 1967. During this time, Dynatron was moved from Maidenhead to King's Lynn. In 1981, Philips sold Dynatron to Roberts Radio.

W.47-1980