Argosy Radiovision Ltd.
Hertfort Road; Barking, Essex (1952 – 1955)
Abbey Road, Barking, Essex (1956)
Eastern Avenue West, Romford, Essex (1960)

The company was founded in 1952 and manufactured a wide range of products, including radios, televisions, record players, and tape recorders. The company went into receivership in February 1956, but its assets/brand name were acquired by the Regentone Group. In late 1962, the Regentone Group was acquired by Standard Telephones & Cables Ltd., and the Argosy trade name was discontinued.

Argosy Radiovision Ltd., established around 1951, was located at Argosy Works, Hartford Road, Barking. It worked in conjunction with its associated company, Argosy Cabinets Ltd., which made the cabinets for the sets manufactured and marketed by Argosy Radiovision.

They produced large radiograms and radios with furniture-style cabinets, with the ARGP series being a good example of their radiograms.

They released the TRG3 television in 1952.

Both companies entered receivership in February 1956. [1][2]

In September 1956, Argosy Radiovision exhibited at the 23rd National Radio Exhibition at Earls Court. They showcased "radiograms equipped for VHF reception and with 4-speed record players" as part of their entirely new range of domestic equipment. They also featured "television receivers designed for long-range reception" and "automatic record players with the latest 4-speed motors." The "contemporary" style was the predominant choice for the external design of the cabinets. [3]

Their new location was Abbey Road, Barking, Essex. [3]

Around this time, the Regentone Group acquired the assets/brand name.

The Regentone Group, a subsidiary of Lloyd's Packing Warehouse (Holdings) Ltd., held the assets of R.G.D., Argosy, and Regentone Ltd. [4]

In late 1962, Standard Telephones & Cables acquired Regentone Products Ltd. from Lloyd's Packing Warehouses Ltd., bringing the Regentone, R.G.D., and Argosy trade names under the Kolster Brandes and Ace brands.

The £470,000 cash transaction included the acquisition by S.T.C. of the five subsidiaries: Regentone Radio & Television, Radio Gramophone Development Co., Argosy Radiovision, United Components, and Combined Radio & Television Service, the latter serving as the servicing organization for all five brand names.

Production of radiograms and record players was moved to the Rhyl factory, while sound radio and television production was relocated to Hastings. Administration, engineering, and special television production remained at Footscray. [5]

From 1963 the Argosy trade name was discontinued.

[1] London Gazette Mar 2, 1956, Page 1309.
[2] London Gazette Mar 2, 1956, Page 1311.
[3] Wireless World Sep 1956, Page 412.
[4] The Economist Feb 1, 1958, Page 447.
[5] Wireless World Jan 1963, Page 15.