Hi all, I have an old Gerard and Goodman Ltd. valve radio that I have been carting around with me for the last 35 years. It has been in my shed for that long, I have never had it working (haven't tried very hard) It was my grandmothers, she passed away in the 70's, it's been with me ever since.
I'm just wondering if it is worth restoring, and if so, where do I start?
Cheers
Dave

Welcome to the forum.

I'm not familiar with that brand. I won't try to give a dollar value on it, but if it has sentimental value to you then it's probably worth a restoration effort for that reason.

Don't try to power it up before it is properly checked over, otherwise you can cause damage to stuff that is irreplaceable.

What, if any, electronics experience do you have?

I don't have any electronics experience! I am, although at the Senior period of my career, a building project manager. I could probably take on the dismantling and cabinetry work. The rest I'll need some help with.

Cheers

G'day Dave,

Photos uploaded.

Looks like a shop-branded model, with chassis most likely from one of the wholesale manufacturers and local cabinet-work. Photos of the "works" would help with identifying - people on this forum are very resourceful at that. I would guess a very good chance of restoration if shed life has been reasonably protected from vermin and the weather, as appears from the exterior.

I like the 4-digit phone number on the makers' plate - should help with dating? I'm guessing mid-1930s?

Maven

I agree that it's probably a house brand based on a chassis from a major manufacturer. If you let us know the valve types in it we may be able to identify the chassis and that in turn can usually lead to a circuit diagram.

When removing valves be careful to do so by the bakelite base, not the glass envelope. Rock them gently back and forth until they come free. If they have top connections, be very careful when removing those as they are often corroded on and you can easily damage the valve by ripping or twisting off the valve's metal cap.

If the valves are dusty, don't wipe them as you'll likely erase the valve type number. If necessary, lightly brush the glass with an artist's type brush or similar to reveal the valve type number.

Hi All,

Gerard of Gerard & Goodman Ltd manufactured the Clipsal range of electrical fittings in the 1930s.

In Arthur Corthany's list of manufacturers he gives the firm as producing its own radios in 1936 but none after.

A Google search produces quite a list of references. "Gerard and Goodman Ltd AU"

Cheers, Graham...