S. A. Lamplugh Ltd.
Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham.

Brands: Junior / Popular / Quality / Chassirad / Silver Ghost

Founded in 1912, S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. began by making motorcycle parts. By WWI, they adapted, supplying government-approved aircraft components. Recognizing radio's potential in the 1920s, Lamplugh shifted gears, producing crystal sets ("Junior") and valve radios ("Silver Ghost"). Innovation was key: they patented a crystal detector (1926) and introduced user-friendly features like slow-motion condensers. The "Chassirad" receiver (1929) offered a complete set in a metal casing for easy integration.
At the 1930 Olympia exhibition, Lamplugh showcased their new Inductor Dynamic Speaker, promising better bass and lower cost than traditional options. Despite this innovation, financial troubles forced the company to end in 1934. Lamplugh's legacy lies in its ability to adapt and innovate, becoming a prominent player in the early radio market.

A History of S. A. Lamplugh Ltd.: From Motorcycles to Radios (1912 - 1934)

Early Days: Motorcycle and Aircraft Parts (1912 - 1922)
Founded around 1912 by Sydney Augustus Lamplugh, S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. initially focused on manufacturing parts for motorcycles. By 1918, the company had expanded its offerings to include aircraft components, catering to the wartime demand. Advertisements boasted of their petrol tank fittings and other parts, all approved by the A.I.D. inspector stationed at their works. [1][2]

Shifting Gears: The Rise of Radio (1922 - 1929)
Recognising the burgeoning popularity of radio in the early 1920s, S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. made a strategic shift. They capitalized on their existing expertise in manufacturing small parts and began producing wireless components like crystal sets and valve receivers. Their products catered to a range of audiences, with names like "Junior" crystal sets and "Popular," "Quality," and "Silver Ghost" valve radios.

Innovation and Design (1926 - 1929)
S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. demonstrated a commitment to innovation throughout the latter half of the decade. Here are some notable examples:

• Patented Crystal Detector (1926): This innovative design boasted precise and easy adjustment of the crystal contact point. [3]
• "Quality Two" Receiver (1926): This receiver focused on user-friendliness with features like a slow-motion condenser and potentiometer.[4]
• Micro Station Selector (1927): Lamplugh acquired the rights to this fine-tuning dial, offering improved control for variable condensers and variometers. [5]
• "Chassirad" Receivers (1929): This innovative design provided complete sets within a metal casing, allowing for easy integration into existing furniture. [6]

The Final Act: The Rise and Fall of the Inductor Dynamic Speaker (1929 - 1934)
S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. continued to embrace new technologies, prominently showcasing their Inductor Dynamic Speaker at the 1930 Olympia exhibition. This speaker, manufactured under license, promised several advantages over traditional moving coil speakers, including lower cost and better bass response. [7]

Despite this innovation, the company faced financial difficulties. By January 1934, S. A. Lamplugh Ltd. was forced to call an extraordinary general meeting to wind up the company due to its liabilities. [8]

Conclusion
S. A. Lamplugh Ltd.'s story is one of adaptation and innovation. They successfully transitioned from a motorcycle parts manufacturer to a leading player in the early radio market. While their groundbreaking Inductor Dynamic Speaker couldn't save the company, their legacy lies in their ability to identify and capitalize on emerging technologies.

[1] Motorcycle Oct 25, 1918, Page 378
[2] Aeronautical Engineering Nov 6, 1918, Page 1715.
[3] The Electrical Review Apr 28, 1926, Page 680.
[4] The Electrical Review Oct 15, 1926, Page 617.
[5] Modern Wireless Jun 1927, Page 638.
[6] Wireless World Sep 25, 1929, Page 337.
[7] Wireless World Sep 24, 1930, Page 344.
[8] London Gazette Jan 23, 1934, Page 558.