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Ekco Continued,
Other Models from the 1950's To my mind the Ekco U159 is the last Ekco of note. What
followed were various uninspiring sets, some of which were badge engineered as
Ferranti receivers following the takeover by Ekco of the brand name. In 1960
Ekco was itself taken over by Pye. Here are a few of the Ekco 1950's receivers
for completeness though:
U319. VHF has arrived for this AC/DC receiver, though Ekco
has reverted to dark bakelite with cream detailing. Also a good sprinkling of
gold trim can be seen on this receiver, as was the general trend of about
1955-1956. Costing £15.2.1 +pt, this very common receiver also turns up in
Ferranti variants. Valve line-up of UCC85, UCH81, UF89, UABC80, UL84,
UY85. (Pictures to be uploaded 2003)
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MBP183 This set was designed to be operated from either
mains or battery. Seen in various colours including blue, cream, and red as
shown. All versions have the "polka dot" pattern as part of the
cabinet covering. Made in about 1952 it features a valve line-up of DK92, DK91,
DF91, DAF91, DL94,
U332. Usual four valve plus rectifier set using UCC85,
UCH81, UF89, UABC80, UL84, UY85. Interesting in as much that it was Ekco's
receiver that followed the mid 1950's trend of producing receivers in pastel
colours. This one is shown in sprayed baby blue. The base colour of the bakelite
was brick red, and that appears to be the most common colour, presumably because
there was no spraying cost involved. 
Lastly,
to finish Ekco off here is one of the first Ekco transistor radios. Its
actually quite common, but is nonetheless evocative of the late 1950's and
early 1960's. The curved handle at the top is rigid, and is supported by
brass circular drums. The case is formed from plywood and covered in pale
"snakeskin" with red front and back panels. Tuning is effected
by the large oversize perspex knob, a trend already popular in valve table
receivers.