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Murphy B143

Radio
1950-1951 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Battery portable radio. The cabinet is shaped like a typewriter case, horizontal and shallow, swelling out from its base and tapering towards the top. The front and back are made from metal with a grey, textured finish. The sides are of black plastic. On the front is a large rectangular grille over the loudspeaker, covered from behind with fabric. Above this, and of equal length, is the tuning scale. At either end of the scale are circular, fluted, gold-finished control knobs. In the centre is the scale itself, concave, with white and yellow lettering on a black ground. There is a vertical pink plastic pointer which moves laterally across the scale. On top of the set is a pull-out black plastic strap handle attached to two metal lugs. The manufacturer's name is printed on the strap. The sides of the radio curve out to a vertical ridge down the centre and are slightly concave along their bottom edge. The base of the radio is wooden, with a metal date plate attached.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMurphy B143 (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Wood, metal, fabric, plastics
Brief description
English; 1949; Murphy B143; d. Ogle
Physical description
Battery portable radio. The cabinet is shaped like a typewriter case, horizontal and shallow, swelling out from its base and tapering towards the top. The front and back are made from metal with a grey, textured finish. The sides are of black plastic. On the front is a large rectangular grille over the loudspeaker, covered from behind with fabric. Above this, and of equal length, is the tuning scale. At either end of the scale are circular, fluted, gold-finished control knobs. In the centre is the scale itself, concave, with white and yellow lettering on a black ground. There is a vertical pink plastic pointer which moves laterally across the scale. On top of the set is a pull-out black plastic strap handle attached to two metal lugs. The manufacturer's name is printed on the strap. The sides of the radio curve out to a vertical ridge down the centre and are slightly concave along their bottom edge. The base of the radio is wooden, with a metal date plate attached.
Dimensions
  • Height: 31.5cm
  • Width: 38.5cm
  • Depth: 16cm
Measurements taken from paper records - not checked on object.
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Roy Crutchley
Object history
Given to the Museum by Roy Crutchley in 1977 [77/553].
Bibliographic reference
Hogben, Carol, The Wireless Show!: 130 classic radio receivers, 1920s to 1950s, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1977
Other number
145775 - serial number
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.2-1977

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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