Bush DAC90A s/n 73/82888

Bush DAC90A s/n 73/82888 Ivory Bakelite case. Original cost £15 5s including purchase tax UCH42 UF41 UBC41 UL41 UY41 AC/DC Long and medium wave working UK 1950 (I have circuit diagram)

The BUSH DAC90A Radio was introduced in 1950 and was made until about 1957 and is one of the most collectable post-war radios. This one in ivory is an early model, the style of the knobs is typical for the early sets. A good condition ivory DAC90A would be worth up to £175.

Bush rose from the ashes of Amplion who made speakers for British Gaumont cinemas and thus had links with the film industry.The radios were advertised in Gaumont cinema foyers as "A Gaumont British Product".  Murphy experienced problems keeping at the forefront of technology and lost creditability with their dealers, many of which changed over to Bush. At some point Murphy became part of Bush and the company trade as Bush - Murphy in Chiswick, London. In 1945 because of their links to the film industry, Bush Murphy became part of the Rank empire and changed the name to Rank Bush Murphy (RBM).  A new satellite factory was opened in Plymouth in 1949. During the mid 70's (When they were one of my major customers! I worked then for RCA Solid State having previously been with both Mullard & STC) ) they moved the entire operation to Plymouth.  In 1972 the name was changed again to Rank Radio International (RRI). Following several years of mounting losses  they tied up with the Japanese to become Rank Toshiba in 1978. This lasted just 3 years, and in 1981 finally folded. Toshiba became sole owner of the Plymouth factory. The Bush name now belongs (along with Alba) to an importers in Barking, E London.

Thanks to Colin Boggis for this information

How much is it worth? £40

Have a look at this site for a very comprehensive and interesting history of Bush radios http://www.bushradio.co.uk/