PLAY-RITE KT-80 'KOBE KOGYO'

 

This Play-Rite KT-80 was manufactured in Japan by Kobe Kogyo circa 1962. Although it is branded as a Play-Rite (Right?) most surviving examples can be found branded as Kobe Kogyo, with the same model number of KT-80.

There is something puzzling about horizontal radios; I always expect them to be a lot larger than their vertical counterparts but this little Play-Rite will slip easily into the pocket of your jeans.  It measures just 4.5” x 2.8” x 0.9” (115mm L x 73mm H x 25mm W).

This is an unusual looking radio featuring a clear top mounted slide rule tuning dial and a painted speaker grill with gold plated metal trim. The speaker grill is an unusual color, kind of a purple/brown combo. It has a thick gold metal band around the sides and top. This radio has a ferrite antenna inside negating the need for its telescopic aerial? I think the aerial was just for show...


  

 

 

 

 
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In 1953 Kobe Kogyo became the first Japanese company to produce a transistor after licensing the technology from Bell Labs for a whopping $25000 USD. Two years later Totsuku (as SONY was known at the time) produced Japans first transistor radio and went on to become the worlds leading consumer electronics manufacturer. In contrast Kobe Kogyo's fortunes took a dive in the early sixties when due to poor management they slid into the red and were absorbed into Fujitsu Ten never to be seen again....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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This KT-80 uses TEN brand transistors manufactured by Fujitsu Ten/Kobe Kogyo.