The N.Z. Vintage Radio Project

The Neeco brandname was introduced by The National Electrical and Engineering Co. Ltd in 1918 as a house brand name for their products (mainly ranges and grills, but also jugs, toasters and other appliances).  Over time, this became the name by which the company was known - a company that had been formed in 1908 and which remained in business until they were taken over by Cable Price in 1966.

Christchurch Sun, 13 August 1918

 

Then in mid-1940, a new line of products was announced - NEECO Radios.  This is the earliest advert found on that announcement:

Evening Post, 21 May 1940

 

Newspaper advertising was somewhat sparse, but Sedley Wells in Christchurch actively advertised NEECO radios throughout 1940/41 alongside Radiola and Cromwell, While Electric and Plumbing Supplies in Dunedin actively advertised NEECO sets through 1941/42.

Sedley Wells Press Advert Throughout 1940

Evening Star, 21 August 1942

 

Some of these later adverts mention that radio manufacturing was now being curtailed due to the war effort, and by 1943 this advert was being run:

Evening Post, 7 May 1943

 

 

Manufacturing resumed after the war in late 1945.