Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. Ltd.
200, Upper Thames Street, London EC (1906)
Works: Dagenham, Essex (1909)
210-212 Tottenham Court Road, London W1 (1919-1929)

Brands: Sterling, Anodion, Audivox, Dinkie, Mellovox & Primex.

Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. Ltd.,  started as a telephone maker but became much more. They made electrical equipment, and radios & even ventured into early aircraft wireless. Their innovations & diverse products helped shape communication.
Merged with Marconiphone in 1925, Sterling's brand faded by 1929, but their legacy lives on.

Sterling Telephone & Electric Co.: A Journey Beyond the Dial Tone

Established in 1900 and incorporated in 1909, the Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. carved a niche for itself beyond just telephones. They were a multifaceted electrical equipment manufacturer with a surprisingly diverse product line.[1]

Core Business and Innovation:

• Telephones & Switchboards: Sterling's bread and butter was the production of telephones and switchboards. They catered to diverse needs, potentially supplying equipment for businesses and homes alike.
• Electrical & Telephone Accessories: Their offerings extended beyond core communication devices. They manufactured electrical and telephone equipment and fittings, likely encompassing items like jacks, plugs, wires, and possibly even early electrical fixtures.
• Wireless Pioneering: Sterling played a crucial role in the early days of wireless technology. They developed wireless telegraph instruments, possibly collaborating with Marconi's revolutionary invention. This connection was further strengthened during WWI when their wireless works became so critical that the War Department took it over.
• Mine Signalling & Safety: Sterling catered to the mining industry, providing specialized equipment like shaft signalling systems and mine exploders (blasting machines). This indicates their diverse engineering capabilities and focus on practical applications.
• Everyday Electrical Solutions: Rounding out their offerings were electric bells and indicators, suggesting they also catered to everyday electrical needs in homes and businesses.

From Humble Beginnings to Industrial Powerhouse (1900-1925):

• Factory Expansion (1909): In 1909, Sterling's ambition manifested in a large factory acquisition in Dagenham, Essex. Spanning 35 acres, this facility housed their manufacturing operations and potentially included space for worker well-being initiatives.
• WWI Mobilization (1914-1918): The First World War propelled Sterling into high gear. Their workforce ballooned to over 2,500, churning out a staggering 135 million munitions parts. This highlights their ability to adapt production lines for national needs.
• Worker Welfare: Sterling prioritized their workforce, establishing a dedicated canteen, recreation rooms, sports facilities like a cricket ground, and even a first-aid hospital. This progressive approach to employee well-being was uncommon at the time.

Manufacturing Expertise:

• Modern Machinery & Innovation: Sterling's success stemmed from their commitment to modern technology. They employed high-class machinery and implemented innovative techniques like jigs and tools to streamline production.
• Specialised Departments: Their factory boasted dedicated departments for various stages of production, including machining, heat treatment (annealing), grinding, polishing, electroplating, enameling, and coil winding. This departmentalization ensured a smooth and efficient flow of materials.
• The Powerhouse of Production: Sterling maintained a well-equipped toolroom, a testament to their self-reliance. This department designed and produced specialized tools crucial for their operations, ensuring consistent quality and control over the manufacturing process.

Beyond the Telephone Line: A Leader in Early Wireless (1922):

• Sterling No. 1 Crystal Set: Sterling's reach extended beyond telephones. By 1922, they were actively contributing to the burgeoning field of wireless technology. Their production of the Sterling No. 1 crystal set demonstrates their commitment to consumer-oriented wireless solutions.
• Wireless Components & Loudspeakers: Their 1922 product line also included various wireless components and loudspeakers, suggesting they were not just building sets but also catering to enthusiasts who wanted to build or modify their own wireless equipment.

Merger with Marconiphone (1925):

• Shifting Gears: In 1925, Sterling's sales organization underwent a significant change. Marconiphone Co. Ltd. acquired its entire domestic and international sales network. While the long-term impact on Sterling's manufacturing remains unclear, this move suggests a potential shift in focus.
• Marconiphone Takes the Helm: Marconiphone became the sole agent for all of Sterling's products under their existing brand names. This could signify a desire from Marconiphone to leverage Sterling's established reputation and product lines while streamlining sales operations. [2]

Sterling's Presence Endures After Merger: The 1925 Olympia Exhibition
The 1925 Olympia Radio Exhibition in London marked an interesting chapter for Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. Following their merger with Marconiphone earlier that year, Sterling maintained a distinct presence at the event, showcasing a wide range of radio equipment alongside Marconiphone products. [3]

Marconiphone Takes Centre Stage:
The Marconiphone brand dominated the exhibit, displaying a diverse range of valve receivers, each catering to different needs and preferences. These receivers ranged from the basic single-valve "Type V1" to the high-end "Type 81" boasting five high-frequency amplifying stages for maximum range. Descriptions highlighted features like interchangeable coils for waveband selection, easy operation, and improved selectivity through rejector circuits.

Sterling's Continued Innovation:
Despite the merger, Sterling wasn't relegated to the sidelines. They showcased their own "Sterling Crystal Receiver" featuring variometer tuning and a user-friendly semi-automatic crystal detector. Additionally, their "Anodion" series offered a variety of one to four-valve receivers housed in attractive sloping desk cabinets, with features like plug-in units for extended tuning range and options for local loudspeaker reception.

Expanding Beyond Receivers:
Both Sterling and Marconiphone went beyond just receivers. Marconiphone presented low-frequency amplifiers, a high-frequency amplifier, and even a wavemeter for precise tuning. Sterling also displayed their own table cabinet receivers featuring high-frequency amplifiers, detector valves, and low-frequency amplifiers, catering to diverse listening preferences. Notably, their four-valve floor cabinet model combined a receiver with the "Primax" loudspeaker, offering a complete listening solution in a stylish walnut cabinet. This highlights their continued focus on integrated radio systems.

A Glimpse into Telephony:
While the focus was on radio, Sterling didn't completely abandon their roots. They also exhibited a selection of telephones, including the "Lilliput," "Lightweight," and "Super Quality" models, showcasing their continued commitment to core telephone products alongside their foray into the burgeoning world of radio.

The Enduring Sterling Legacy:

The 1925 Olympia exhibition offers a glimpse into the post-merger landscape for Sterling. While Marconiphone took the lead in sales, Sterling maintained a presence with their own radio products and telephones.

In 1929, however, Marconiphone was purchased by His Master's Voice (HMV) (whose parent company was the Gramophone Company) along with the right to use the 'Marconiphone' trademark. This appears to mark the end for the Sterling brand.

[1] The Electrical Review Jan 16, 1920, Page 76.
[2] Wireless World Aug 1925, Page 256.
[3] Wireless World Sep 9, 1925, Page 321.