EKCO - U195 Radio

Rare Vintage Tube Radio – Ekco U195 Preset Receiver (1953, United Kingdom)

Offered here is the Ekco U195, a highly unusual and historically significant vintage tube radio receiver, manufactured in 1953 by E.K. Cole Ltd. (Ekco) in Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom. This model stands out for its innovative four-station preset tuning system, replacing the traditional tuning dial with a simple and user-focused selector design — a bold concept at the time that reflects early attempts to simplify radio listening for everyday users.

Features & Specifications:
Model: Ekco U195
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Origin: United Kingdom (E.K. Cole Ltd., Southend-on-Sea)
Type: Valve (tube) radio receiver

Tuning System:
• Unique 4-station preset selector system (no conventional tuning dial)
• Typically configured as 1 Long Wave + 3 Medium Wave presets
• Stations adjustable via rear-access tuning points

Radio Bands:
• Long Wave (LW)
• Medium Wave (MW)

Circuit & Technology:
• Superheterodyne receiver design
• Valve lineup: UCH42, UBF80, UL41, UY41
• Internal frame aerial for improved reception
• AC/DC mains operation (transformerless design)

Audio:
• Built-in dynamic loudspeaker
• Warm, classic valve sound typical of early 1950s radios

Construction & Design:
• Compact tabletop design
• Moulded plastic cabinet (Bakelite-style appearance)
• Minimalist front panel with station selector and volume control
• Clean, uncluttered layout reflecting early modern industrial design

Historical Significance & Innovation:
The Ekco U195 is particularly notable for its preset-only tuning concept, which eliminated manual tuning entirely. This design was based on the idea that most listeners regularly tuned into only a few stations, allowing instant selection via a switch.

While innovative, the concept proved ahead of its time and was not widely adopted, making surviving examples relatively rare and highly collectable today. The system also made the radio especially accessible for users who preferred simplicity or had difficulty with traditional tuning scales.

Condition:
This Ekco U195 is presented in good vintage condition with visible signs of use consistent with age. The cabinet retains its original character and patina, adding to its authenticity. As with all vintage valve radios, servicing or inspection by a qualified technician is recommended for safe and optimal operation. The unit is in tested working condition. The four preset radio stations need to be tuned from the rear side by a qualified electronics technician with experience of tube radios,

Collectable & Practical Value:
The U195 is a unique and historically important piece of British radio design, representing an early attempt at user-friendly preset tuning — a concept that would later become standard in modern radios. Its rarity, distinctive functionality, and mid-century styling make it highly desirable among collectors, vintage technology enthusiasts, and design aficionados.

A rare opportunity to acquire a truly distinctive radio from the early days of modern consumer electronics.

Proudly presented by SpaceTime Engineering — watch it in action on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@spacetimeengineering

Shipping:
Worldwide tracked and insured shipping according to Catawiki guidelines, the weight is approximate, including packaging

Seller’s Story
We are a highly specialised company based in the Netherlands, offering high-quality audio and electronic equipment throughout Europe — generally through Catawiki.