Burnell & Co.
13 Queen Street, Perth Western Australia

Brand: Mastertone

Burnell & Co. was founded by Mr. Norman Leslie Burnell in 1909 as an importing and distributing company.

They manufactured various models under the Mastertone brand and also sold Eastern States manufactured radios. The last radio was made in 1958. They also had a service department and rented radios and TVs. The business closed in 1982.

From an article in the West Australian, Monday November 1933, page 7:

"The firm of Burnell and Co. is the second oldest firm in Perth in the music trade, and has been identified with radio since radio began as a commercial article. It has therefore had every opportunity of selecting the best in radio as it was produced. Its choice of Mastertone was made after comparison with all other makes on the market and after expert and critical examination and exhaustive tests.

Mastertone is made by the largest radio factory in Australia making solely domestic radios, and every part except the raw material and valves is made by the one firm. The makers can therefore guarantee every unit with confidence because they know what is in it. All sizes from three-valve up are made, and the latest novelty is a special motor car set that worked off the car battery alone.

Mastertone radios are sturdy and reliable and the makers aim to give a fool proof and trouble-free receiver that will work without difficulty and keep on working indefinitely. Owing to the huge output the prices are low and warrant the inspection of every prospective buyer."