Harlie Bros.
183 Dalston Lane, London, E8 (1925)
36, Wilton Road, Dalston, London, E8. (1925)
Balham Road, Edmonton, N9 (1928)

Harlie Bros., (Edmonton), Ltd.
1 Balham Road, Lower Edmonton, N9. (1930 -1932)

Harlie Ltd.
Cambridge Arterial Rd., Enfield, Middlesex. (1932)

Harlie Bros. (1925-1932) started with innovative radio components like the Harlie Fool Proof detector (1925) and the Microfix tuning dial (1927). They expanded into high-end radiogramophones by 1929. Around this time, they may have offered a radio similar to the Cossor Melody Maker.

In 1930, the company (now Harlie Bros., Edmonton, Ltd.) focused on affordable components and gramophone parts. By 1932, they were liquidated.

A new company, Harlie Ltd., emerged later in 1932. They catered to audio enthusiasts with pick-up components until at least 1932. By 1947, Harlie Ltd. had shifted entirely to home products. 

History of Harlie Radios (1925-1947)

Harlie Bros., a British radio manufacturer, made its mark in the early days of radio with innovative components and complete radiogramophones.

Early Success (1925-1929):

• 1925: Harlie Bros. enters the scene with the Harlie Fool Proof detector, a crystal receiver praised for its sensitivity and ease of use.
• 1926: They introduced the Harlie Wave-Selector, an add-on component that improved selectivity and volume for existing radio sets.
• 1927: The Microfix Vernier Dial, a fine-tuning mechanism for precise station selection, is launched at an affordable price.

Expansion and Innovation (1928-1930):

• 1928: Harlie Bros. demonstrates their engineering expertise with the Anti-Microphonic Valve Holder, designed to minimize noise and improve valve performance.
• 1929: The company showcases three high-end radiogramophones ("Orchestral," "Salon," and "Chamber") at the Olympia Radio Exhibition. These models boasted AC/DC mains operation and powerful output stages. They also introduce a new pick-up arm with a swivel joint for easy record removal.
• Possible Cossor Connection: Around this time, Harlie Bros. may have also marketed a radio kitset or complete radio very similar to the Cossor Melody Maker.
• Name Change: Around 1928/29, the company name changes to Harlie Bros., (Edmonton), Ltd.

Transition and New Focus (1930-1932):

• 1930: At the Olympia Exhibition, Harlie Bros. (Edmonton), Ltd. focuses on showcasing affordable components like their moving-coil loudspeaker and volume control. They also introduce a silent electric gramophone motor and an innovative gramophone pick-up with an easy needle-changing mechanism.
• July 1932: Harlie Bros., (Edmonton), Ltd. undergoes voluntary liquidation.[1]

Harlie Ltd. Emerges (1932):

• Later in 1932: A new company, Harlie Ltd., appeared.

Shifting Focus (1932-1947):

• 1932 Olympia: Harlie Ltd. dedicates its stand to showcasing components for "L.F. amplifier enthusiasts," particularly high-quality pick-ups at competitive prices. They also cater to home constructors with various accessories like tone selectors, scratch filters, and microphones.
• Post-1932: The information gets unclear. It appears Harlie Ltd. moved away from radio equipment by 1947.
• 1947 Daily Mail Home Exhibition: Harlie Ltd. exhibits home products like hearth companion sets, smoker's stands, food stands, and reclining chairs. [2]

Conclusion:

Harlie's journey reflects the rapid evolution of the radio industry in the early 20th century. They started by offering innovative components for crystal radios and later transitioned to high-class radiogramophones. However, by the 1930s, the focus shifted towards catering to home constructors and enthusiasts interested in building their own audio systems. Their complete shift to home products by 1947 marks a significant change in direction for the company.

The possibility of their involvement with a Cossor Melody Maker radio kit or complete radio suggests they may have dabbled in complete radio sales as well. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

[1] London Gazette Aug 12, 1932, Page 5243
[2] Daily Mail Home Exhibition 1947, Page 28.