J.W.B. Wireless Supplies
19, Garrick Street, London WC2 (1923)

J.W.B. Wireless Co.
19, Garrick Street, London WC2 (1923)

Brownie Wireless Co. (of Great Britain), Ltd.
310a-312a, Euston Road, London, NW1 (1925)
Nelson St. Works, Mornington Cresent London NW1 (1928)

Brands: Brownie & Dominion

Brownie Wireless, led by James Barber, made early British radio affordable with cardboard tube sets & challenged Marconi's high royalties. Loewe Radio joined the fight with a multi-valve design. Though Brownie initially won a royalty reduction, Marconi appealed & prevailed. Despite this, Marconi offered a discount to ease competition before their patents expired in 1934. Brownie continued innovating with features like the Dominion Vernier Dial and Selectivity Unit. At Radio Olympia 1931, they presented advanced receivers like the Dominion Grand Battery S.G.3. They offered budget options too. By 1932, they had a £3 2-valve battery set. Despite their efforts, Brownie closed in 1933. Both companies & Barber remain under-recognised for their contributions to early British radio.

The Rise and Fall of Brownie Wireless: A Pioneering Force in Early British Radio (1923-1933)

James William Barber: From Projector to Radio Waves
The story of Brownie Wireless begins with James William Barber, a man of diverse interests and influence. Awarded a C.B.E. for his wartime contributions to cinematography as a propaganda tool, Barber saw the immense potential of a new technology – domestic radio – in the early 1920s.

A Sprout Named Brownie: The Early Days (1923)
In 1923, shortly after the BBC's launch ignited public interest in radio, J.W.B. Wireless Supplies, helmed by Barber, introduced the very first Brownie wireless receivers. These were crystal sets, catering to the growing number of "listeners-in." [1]

A Distinctive Design Philosophy:
These early Brownies were known for their unique construction. Unlike the high-quality wooden cabinets favoured by competitors, Brownies utilized inexpensive hollow cardboard tubes and molded ebonite cases. While this approach might have lacked visual appeal, it kept production costs low, making radio more accessible to the masses. Brownies were offered as both parts kits and pre-assembled sets, with various detector and long wave loading coil configurations.

From Crystal Sets to Valve Power (1923-1925)
Brownie's product line quickly expanded beyond basic crystal sets. By 1925, the company was incorporated as Brownie Wireless Company (of Great Britain), Ltd. [2] This move marked a significant growth phase. They introduced a family of affordable wireless equipment, including:

• Two crystal sets: Building upon their initial success, Brownie offered more advanced crystal set options.
• 2-valve receiver: This represented a significant leap from crystal sets, offering greater amplification and clearer reception.
• 2-valve note magnifier (audio amplifier): This innovative addition enhanced the audio output of existing receivers, improving the listening experience.

A David vs. Goliath Battle: Challenging Marconi (1928)
The fledgling radio industry was dominated by established giants like Marconi. In a noteworthy legal battle, Brownie Wireless, led by Barber, challenged Marconi's dominance over radio receiver royalties. Brownie argued for a fairer licensing structure that reduced the royalty burden on manufacturers and ultimately benefited consumers with lower prices. [3]

The Loewe Twist: A Multi-Valve Mystery
Adding another layer to the legal battle was the Loewe Radio Company. Loewe's innovative design involved a "multi-valve" – essentially multiple valves housed within a single bulb. Loewe argued they should only pay a royalty for one valve, as it functioned as a single unit. Marconi, however, saw it differently. They claimed the multi-valve's functionality was equivalent to three separate valves and demanded royalties accordingly. This significantly increased Loewe's cost burden. [3]

The Outcome: A Pyrrhic Victory for Marconi (1929)
While Brownie initially prevailed, securing a reduction in royalties, Marconi appealed the decision and ultimately won. However, in a surprising move, Marconi offered a compromise – a reduced royalty rate of 5 shillings per valve holder (around £1.25 today) on condition of a five-year contract. This move likely stemmed from the approaching expiration of Marconi's patents in 1934. Though Brownie and Loewe had to pay higher royalties initially, this compromise created a more favourable environment for other radio manufacturers in the long run. [4]

Innovation and Legacy (1923-1933)
Despite the legal challenges, Brownie Wireless continued to be a force in the early British radio scene. They produced a range of innovative wireless receivers and accessories, including:

• Dominion Vernier Dial (1930): This innovative dial boasted a "special non-backlash design" for fine-tuning and a choice of finishes (Black or Mahogany Bakelite) at an affordable price of 2 shillings and sixpence (around £0.13 today). [5]
• Combined Wave Trap and Selectivity Unit (1930): This unit offered combined functionality, acting as both a wave trap to eliminate unwanted stations and a selectivity unit for sharper tuning, all for just 10 shillings and sixpence (around £0.52 today). [6]

Radio Olympia 1931:
Brownie showcased a range of new receivers at the prestigious Radio Olympia exhibition:

• Dominion Grand Battery S.G.3: This advanced battery-powered receiver featured ganged tuning condensers, screened coils, and a popular circuit incorporating a screen-grid high-frequency stage, leaky-grid detector, and pentode output valve. It even had a provision for a gramophone pick-up, all for £9 17 shillings and sixpence (around £47 today). [6]

A Curtain Falls: The End of an Era (1933)
By 1933, facing fierce competition from a rapidly evolving market, Brownie Wireless was forced to wind up operations. While the company's lifespan was relatively short, its impact on British radio is undeniable. [7]

James Barber: A Multifaceted Figure (1920s-?)
Beyond Brownie Wireless, James Barber remained a prominent figure in British industry. He held leadership positions in the British Plastic Moulding Trade Association and Radio Manufacturers Association and served as a technical advisor to the British Cinema Exhibitors' Association. Barber's influence extended beyond radio, showcasing his diverse interests and commitment to fostering British industry.

A Story Waiting to be Told:
Despite their contributions, both Brownie Wireless and James Barber remain largely under-recognized. This story sheds light on a significant, but often overlooked, chapter in the history of British radio. The legacy of Brownie Wireless lies in its pioneering spirit, innovative designs, and role in democratizing radio technology for a wider audience in the early 1920s and 30s. 

[1] Popular Wireless Weekly Mar 3, 1923, Page 47.
[2] The Electrical Review Mar 27, 1925, Page 504.
[3] Wireless World & Radio Review Aug 8, 1928, Page 153.
[4] Hong Kong Daily Press Apr 9, 1929, Page 10.
[5] Wireless World Apr 2, 1930, Ad II.
[6] Wireless World Apr 9, 1930, Page Ad 17.
[7] The London Gazette Apr 4, 1933, Page 2311.