Keates-Hacker Co. Ltd.
91 -93, Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2. (1937-1939)

Keates-Hacker Co. Ltd., a short-lived collaboration between Keates and Co. (Radio) Ltd. and the Hacker brothers, catered to luxury radio lovers with bespoke, handcrafted Dynatron receivers. Despite a stunning final offering in 1940, market challenges led the Hacker brothers to buy out the company and focus on their own, later-resurrected Hacker Radio Ltd. brand. [1]

Keates-Hacker: Bespoke Luxury, Born from Collaboration

In October 1937, a collaboration brought forth a new force in luxury radio: Keates-Hacker Co. Ltd. Formed by the merging of Keates and Co. (Radio), Ltd. and the Hacker brothers, this venture aimed to cater to discerning listeners with handcrafted, "custom-built" receivers. Their foundation was a powerful 18-valve Dynatron chassis, boasting the latest technology. Each bespoke cabinet was created to the individual specifications of the client, ensuring a truly unique listening experience. A prestigious Voigt loudspeaker was standard equipment, complementing the exceptional sound quality. To guarantee peace of mind, every set came with a set of spare valves and a five-year guarantee. [2]

Their final offering, released in 1940, was a stunning statement piece. Faced in a peach-tinted mirror and incorporating a clock and a record cutter, it embodied the pinnacle of Keates-Hacker's luxury. However, amidst challenging market conditions leading up to World War II, the Hacker brothers bought out the other directors and rebooted the company as Hacker Radio Ltd. in 1941, a name they would later resurrect in 1959.

[1] Hacker Radio, Dixon-Nutall/Bussey, Geoffrey/Gordon (1993) ISBN 0-9522197-0-0.
[2] Wireless World Oct 1, 1937, Page 335.