Hello.
I have come across a 4 valve mains mantle radio in a Bakelite case. The only ID I have found is the initials KGH in the centre of the dial. It has a 6X5GT in the rectifier socket but no other valves.

Would appreciate any help to identify this old radio with a view to get a schematic and any other info.
Many thanks
Roger.

There was manufacturer called KGH at Bondi.

The only KGH branded set I have info on with a 6X5 rectifier in its line-up is:-

Model 52 of 1952 dual wave, but that has 5 valves: 6X5GT, 6AN7/ECH33, EF50, 6BD7/6SQ7GT, 6M5/KT61

(There's the possibility that the 6X5 in yours may not be correct for that set -- people have been known to stick any old valve into a socket.)

Now that the photos have been posted, that radio uses a similar case to Tasma 'Baby' radios made circa 1941 by Thom & Smith of Mascot, however that is not a chassis I recognise.

A photo of the top view directly overhead could help, as well as an underneath view of the components.

I'm not sure but it looks like the socket in front of the 6X5 has a 9-pin socket on a plate to fill a larger hole, originally for an octal.

The one on the left looks larger, can't see any others.

Remarkable amount of vacant real estate down the centre.

Remarkable amount of vacant real estate down the centre.

Indeed, and the multiple punch-outs on the rear strike me as unusual, too.

Before powering up that radio I'd recommend replacing the power cord. It's what I call a brown snake - unpredictable and deadly, due to it being single-insulated and the rubber in these crack quite easily.

The Tasma version of this radio had a choice of four or five valves. Chances are there's a fourth socket close to the tuning condenser. The Tasma chassis was much more crowded.

The 9-pin valve socket close to the transformer indicated a manufacture date around 1949-51. Mixing valve types was commonplace around that time as manufacturers wanted to dry up stocks of cheaper octal valves before shifting to a complete compliment of miniature valves.

+1 on the cable had one set come in a while back with that stuff. Set was still running & humming. I still don't know how he unplugged it without getting zapped.

There may be more of that in the pan?

The only set I see that had had a 6X5 had 5 valves.4N & 4T were the only two, I see with four valves.
6BE6 (7 pin) Pentagrid:
EF50 Wide band amp {Radar} RF Pentode (9 pin Loctal);
6BV7 Du diode & Output Pentode (9 Pin)
6V4 Rectifier full wave (9 Pin)

So far unless they ran out of 6V4 something is odd as there is no socket in the above that would take a 6X5? ..... more looking

Hello Everyone.
Many thanks for your interest.
I have emailed some more photos to Brad as suggested.
When I removed the chassis from the case, I found the broken valve as pictured.
There was a valve in the mixer/oscillator socket but the marking is too faint to read but it is an Aust made Philips miniwatt. As is the broken one.
Hopefully someone will recognise them from the pictures.
There is also a marking on the tuning dial referring to 1920's calibration.
Roger.

There was a valve in the mixer/oscillator socket but the marking is too faint to read

Creating "dew' on the surface of the valve can sometimes reveal the marking when viewed in the right light. Try breathing on it, and if that doesn't work put it in the freezer for a while and when removed, if the air is warm and humid enough, you'll get dew forming.

With a good light and magnifying glass look for the small black printed factory codes underneath the valve base. The Philips factory codes will give an indication of valve type, country/factory and date of manufacture. The two valves shown are Innoval types.

For example the valve type code for a Innoval 6N8 is "MT". The code for 6AN7 is "LT". Some later Noval versions of these valves will have a different code.

The missing valve is probably a 6M5. I'd check the wiring around the socket first just to make sure it isn't for a 6BV7.

Going by the stations on the dial the radio appears to be about a 1952 vintage. There are also short-wave markings on the dial. Is the radio short-wave as well?

KGH P/L shop & factory was situated at Harris House, Newland St, Bondi Junction. While some radios such as this one was branded KGH, most others were branded Titan.

If push comes to shove, dismantling the valve and letting us know what active element is on what pin can help identify it.

PS: Just about all of those capacitors are in the to be replaced category. Resistors should be checked during that process, too.

I tend to agree that the output valve (next to the 6X5) would more likely be a 6M5.

I also think the broken one would be a 6N8 or 6AD8. They are pin-compatible so either type will do.

The frequency changer will be a 6AN7.

I also agree with the late-40s/early-50s date assessment.

You will want to replace all the wax caps and the black ones. The modern-looking ones at the bottom of the photo should be ok. The resistors should be checked at least, if not replaced. Speaker transformer should be checked for continuity.

Many thanks to Robbbert for your suggestions.
I will trace out the schematic assuming I have a 6an7 in the first socket.
It looks like it may be dual wave. The centre knob is a 2way wafer switch with connections to the coils.
Roger.

Yep, the tuning dial indicates that it is MW/SW. On the Tasma the middle knob is a tone control.

Yes, I'm sure it has a short-wave band too. Most unusual for a 4 valve kitchen mantel.

The current radio of the week, the GKM Astor, is also a 4 valve BC/SW kitchen mantel from the same era. Since a schematic for the KGH cannot be found, it might be worth checking the GKM circuit for some clues.

Without knowing the factory codes, I reckon now that the broken valve could be a 6AD8.

Gents,
This could be a Titan Tiny made by KGH.
I have never seen one but it is mentioned in the AORSM Vol. 11, page 309.

Should be easy to identify because the power transformer only supplies the filaments and the B+ is rectified mains. So please check this before powering up! Active could be on the chassis if the power cable is wired up incorrectly. Make sure a 3 core power cable with earth is used.
Valve line-up is: 6AN7, 6N8, 6M5 & 6X4
I can post the schematic if required?

Cheers,
Gary