Regentone was a British brand used by various manufacturers from 1924 till 1970.

Regent Radio Supply Co.
45 Fleet Street, London, EC4. (1924 - 1926)
21 Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn Circus, London, E.C.4 (1929)

Regentone Ltd.
Regentone House, 21 Bartlett's Buildings, EC4 (1931)
Regentone Works, Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex. (1932)

Regentone Products, Ltd.
Regentone Works, Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex. (1937)
3 & 4 The Broadway, Edmonton, N9 (1944)
Eastern Avenue, Romford, Essex. (1947)

Regentone Radio and Television Ltd.
Eastern Avenue West, Mawneys, Romford, Essex (1954)
Regent Works, Sidcup, Kent. (1964)

Regentone, a British radio innovator, began in 1924 crafting radio components. Their 1926 battery eliminator, allowing radios to ditch bulky batteries for household electricity, was a game-changer. They thrived in the 30s but financial woes led to their 1935 dissolution. Re-emerging post-WWII, Regentone offered TVs by 1949 and embraced advancements like stereo sound. Acquired in 1963, they continued innovation with transistor technology. However, by the 1970s, their presence in the market had significantly diminished. 

A Detailed History of Regentone Radios & TVs (1924-1970s)

Early Days: Battery Eliminators and Innovation (1924-1935)

• 1924: Robert Henry Nunn and Alfred Leslie Hodby establish Regent Radio Supply Co. in London, focusing on radio components. [1] [2]
• August 1926: Regentone's Game Changer: They introduce a revolutionary "complete battery eliminator," allowing battery-powered radios to run on AC mains electricity. This eliminates the need for bulky batteries and opens doors for more powerful and versatile radio designs.[3]
• October 1930: Expanding Horizons: Regentone recognizes the shift towards mains-powered radios and expands its offerings beyond battery eliminators. They manufacture transformers, power chokes, and complete mains units, solidifying their position as a key player in the evolving radio landscape.
• January 1931: A New Chapter: The company transitions from Regent Radio Supply Co. to Regentone, Ltd., reflecting their growing ambitions and focus on complete radio sets.

Challenges and Change: A Time of Transition (1932-1947)

• July 1932: Partnership Dissolved: The partnership between Nunn and Hodby dissolves. Regent Radio Supply Co. continues under Nunn's leadership. [2]
• 1932 Olympia Exhibition: Innovation Continues: Despite the internal shift, Regentone showcases a range of modern mains receivers featuring advanced technology.
• Regentone Works: A new base of operations is established in Worton Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, suggesting a shift towards in-house manufacturing capabilities.
• 1935 (Uncertain): Financial Strain: Regentone Ltd. faces financial difficulties and enters voluntary liquidation. The exact reasons remain unclear, but factors like the competitive radio market and the Great Depression could have played a role. [4]
• WWII Years (Uncertain): Information about Regentone's activities during World War II is unclear. They might have:
  • Shifted production to meet wartime needs.
  • Continued limited civilian radio production.
  • Faced disruptions due to the war.

Post-War Resurgence and Diversification (1947-1960s)

• (Estimated) 1937: Regentone Products Ltd. Emerges: A new company, likely a successor, carries the Regentone name forward. This signifies the brand's resilience in the radio market. [5]
• October 1947 Exhibition: Back in the Spotlight: Regentone showcases superheterodyne chassis radios in various models, suggesting adaptation to the latest radio technology.
• May 1949: Entering a New Arena: Regentone unveils its first television models at the British Industries Fair, marking their entry into the booming television market.
• September 1954 Exhibition: Innovation and Refinement: Regentone Radio and Television Ltd.  exhibits sound receivers, radiograms (combination radio and record player furniture units), portable record players, and announces redesigned television sets. [6]
• 1956: A Diverse Product Range: Regentone offers a wide range of products catering to various needs. From televisions to high-fidelity radiograms with advanced features like four-speed record changers and VHF radio, and portable electric gramophones, they establish themselves as a major player in home entertainment. The "Continental" radiogram exemplifies their commitment to innovation and luxury.
• September 1958 Exhibition: Embracing Stereo: Regentone demonstrates their ability to adapt to new technologies by showcasing a stereo radiogram with twin audio amplifiers and a stereo pickup. Additionally, they unveil tape recorders and portable record players.
• September c1958: A Change of Hands: Regentone, along with R.G.D. and Argosy, becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Lloyd's Packing Warehouses (Holdings) Ltd. [7]

Later Years and Uncertain Fate (1960s-1970s)

• 1961: Plessey Acquires Factory: The Plessey Company purchases Regentone's Eastern Avenue factory and manufactures RGD receivers under Regentone specifications.[8]
• 1963: Standard Telephones & Cables Takes Over: Standard Telephones & Cables acquires Regentone Products Ltd., including RGD and other subsidiaries. [9]
• 1964 Exhibition: Regentone continues to introduce new products, including stereo radiograms, transistor record players, and dual-standard television sets.
• 1970: Regentone Radio and Television Ltd. Enters Liquidation: The company undergoes voluntary liquidation, marking the end of the Regentone brand as a major player in the electronics industry. [10]

[1] Broadcaster & Trade Annual 1937, Page 36.
[2] London Gazette Aug 2, 1932, Page 5030.
[3] Wireless World Aug 11, 1926, Page 203.
[4] London Gazette Jan 11, 1935, Page 326.
[5] Short Wave magazine Oct 1937, Page 5.
[6] Wireless World Sep 1954, Page 427.
[7] The Economist Feb 1, 1958, Page 447.
[8] Wireless World Jul 1961, Page 350.
[9] Wireless World Jan 1963, Page 15.
[10] London Gazette Apr 24, 1970, Page 4716.