This bakelite radio is smaller than many transistorised sets but runs on older valve technology. It’s just 20cm wide, 13cm heigh and 11cm deep but a hefty 2Kg – never designed to be portable given the reliance on a 240v mains power lead.
It was designed and built by British manufacturer A.J.Balcombe Ltd (Alfred Balcombe) under the Alba brand name in 1947 and later came in a variety of pastel colours along with the black and fake wood. Bakelite easily cracks and so many of these radios ended up in pieces and have become rare. This example is in near perfect condition with no cracks or deep scratches. It was a Christmas present a few years ago so I don’t know its history but looks to have been cherished.
The midget’s mains lead has been replaced – the original acted as a mains dropper made with a resistance wire so an internal resistor has been fitted instead. But an internal resistor generates heat which is not a good plan in such a small cabinet. It’s possible to replace the resistor with a capacitor ‘dropper’ which reduces the heat. A capacitor’s impedance at 50Hz mains frequency reduces the voltage as used in many modern wall wart chargers. I’ve not bothered as this radio is just used to prop up books on display. Like many old radios its chassis is not isolated from the 240v mains supply so could give you a nasty shock if you came in contact with it. An RCD / circuit breaker is recommended.
Alba’s last company accounts were filed in 1981 another casualty of cheaper consumer TV and radio manufacturing imports. But ironically the Alba name lives on — you can find it on budget Argos tablets, TVs and even digital radios – Argos Alba.
Alba Midget C112
Alba Midget C112
Alba Midget C112
Alba Midget C112
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