01
Molded Phenolic Cabinet
Features a heavy, curved dark brown housing reflecting classic mid-century Ekco industrial design.
Curio Gallery
01 / 03
01 / 03National Ekco Model A.744 Radio Receiver — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The National Ekco Model A.744 is a post-war multi-band valve tabletop radio receiver housed in a dark molded phenolic/Bakelite cabinet. It features a woven textile speaker grille with an integrated tuning eye indicator, a clear front tuning dial with concentric control knobs, and push-button band selectors. The rear panel includes factory-marked connectivity for external antenna, earth ground, tape recorder, phonograph pickup, and an extension loudspeaker.
02
Multi-Band Waveform Coverage
Equipped with dedicated bands for MW, SW1, SW2, and SW3 alongside a dedicated Gramophone input setting.
03
Magic Eye Tuning Tube
Features a front-facing horizontal optical window on the upper speaker cloth for signal tuning precision.
04
Dual-Concentric Control Knobs
Front fascia incorporates stacked knobs for independent adjustment of volume, tone, and radio station tuning.
05
Push-Button Selector Strip
Includes a row of five cream-coloured push buttons along the lower apron for fast input and band switching.
06
Extensive Audio Interfacing
Back panel provides dedicated vintage inputs and outputs for external loudspeaker, tape recorder, and turntable pickup.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
National Ekco Radio & Engineering Co. Ltd. (Bombay, India under licence from E. K. Cole Ltd., England)
Origin
India
Year
1958
Department
audio
Packed shipment
5 kg · 45 × 32 × 30 cm
Manufacturer
National Ekco Radio & Engineering Co. Ltd., Bombay
Licensing
Under licence from E. K. Cole Ltd., England
Model
Radio Receiver Model A.744
Tuning Bands
Medium Wave (MW), Shortwave 1 (SW1), Shortwave 2 (SW2), Shortwave 3 (SW3), plus Gram
Operating Power
A.C. mains only, 200/250 Volts, 40/100 Cycles
Visual Indicator
Magic eye tuning valve indicator window on upper right grille
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · National Ekco Model A.744 Radio Receiver — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · National Ekco Model A.744 Radio Receiver — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific National Ekco Model A.744 Radio Receiver; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Industrial Collaboration
The British-Indian Radio Alliance
Shown on the rear panel plate, this receiver encapsulates the technical collaboration between E. K. Cole of Southend-on-Sea and Bombay's National Ekco, adapting British radio technology for South Asian electrical grids.
Visual Signal Tuning
The Magic Eye Experience
Visible embedded into the patterned grille fabric in the primary photo, the cathode-ray tuning indicator guided listeners by glowing narrower as a station peaked, simplifying shortwave listening across crowded bands.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1940s
National Ekco Partnership Formed
British radio manufacturer E. K. Cole Ltd. partnered with India's National Radio & Electronics Co. to produce radios locally in Bombay.
c. 1958
Release of Model A.744
National Ekco introduced the A.744 receiver featuring multi-band shortwave coverage tailored for tropical and international broadcast reception.
1960s
Transition to Transistors
As solid-state electronics emerged, large tabletop valve receivers like the A.744 concluded production in favour of portable transistorised sets.
Present
Collectible Heritage Piece
Surviving Indian-manufactured Ekco receivers remain sought-after artifacts of mid-century industrial manufacturing in South Asia.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The cabinet shows light surface scuffing and minor dust buildup consistent with age, with intact molding throughout. The patterned woven speaker grille cloth displays noticeable central water or dirt staining and localized thread fraying. The perforated rear panel is largely intact but exhibits clear adhesive tape repair over ventilation slots on the right side, and the vintage power cable is intact.
✓
InspectedCabinetry
Smooth dark brown molded phenolic casing remains structurally intact with visible minor surface dust and handling marks.
✓
InspectedSpeaker Grille Fabric
Woven cloth shows a conspicuous vertical cluster of dark staining and minor thread pulls near the center.
✓
InspectedRear Service Panel
Original printed hardboard back panel is secured with screws, showing heavy transparent tape applied across several right-side vent louvers.
✓
InspectedDials and Controls
Front tuning dial glass, inner lettering, dual concentric control knobs, and push buttons are physically complete and legible.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
National Ekco Model A.744 Radio Receiver