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Murphy Radio 1961 continued.

Shown below is the model B581. As can be seen this radio is really very small, measuring just 5" x 3" x 1". Nonetheless it was still quite expensive at £11.19.0. Designed to be operated from the palm of the hand, the station could be easily changed by operation of the thumbwheel with your thumb. Also pictured is the leather case, complete with earpiece. The leather is of very good quality and thickness, but was surprisingly expensive. It cost an extraordinary £2.2.0, now bearing in mind this accessory was being marketed more than 45 years ago, it seems a great deal of money, and one wonders how many people actually bought it. Transistor line-up AF117, AF117, AF117, OC81DM, OC81M, OC81M, also diode OA90. It is powered by a PP3 battery. (Kindly donated by Mr P. Pearson).

The photograph left shows the radio held by James Reeve, the gentleman who designed the cabinet for this receiver. It hardly needs to be mentioned how pleasing the cabinet is, the radio is a small pocket model, and the cabinet is simple and efficient yet still very good looking. A similar style of cabinet was used for many years by quite a few manufacturers, precisely because it is effective and easy in use. Notable is the hinged chromium arm at the rear of the cabinet, which can be pulled out so that the radio will stand at an angle on any suitable surface for prolonged use. (See far right image above). In point of fact the small size and output of the radio hardly justifies such a feature, as one of its main marketing points is reception whilst on the move. However the radio lends itself to the incorporation of the feature easily though, and a transistor radio (as opposed to "old fashioned" valves) was still an aspirational possession in the early 1960s, so its incorporation demonstrates an attention to detail and a desire to add value and usefulness. The model shown is the grey/green version, though it was also available in a blue plastic case.

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