Astor along with AWA were pioneers in Australian
radio.
Their first factory "Clarke & Hagblom" was opened
in 1923 making fixed condensers.
In 1926 they combined with two other small firms
to become Radio Corporation of Australia Ltd
Selling under the brand name Astor they quickly
grew to become a leader.
They had close links with US companies such as
Hazeltine and Jansen and actively promoted their technical expertise.
The "Mickey Mouse" series is by far their most
famous set and Mickey's were Australia's biggest selling radios.
Unlike the more conservative AWA, Astor made a huge range of
colourful radios with some really unique designs and innovations,
such as magified dial lenses, state specific dials, and they
pioneered the small portable set in Australia.
