TASMA 'jeep radio'

[Mike Kelly]

TASMA ( Thom & Smith ) were a well established Australian radio manufacturing company based in Sydney. Looks like TASMA were trying to cash in on the 'Jeep' craze by marketing a rugged domestic receiver . I have spotted numerous marketing campaigns in the late WW2 era newspapers, adverts relating to the 'Jeep' , stuff like clothing and kids toys and other items.

I had the chance to buy one of these TASMA Jeep radio sets, thinking it was a ex-military set , but it looks like it was made and marketed as a civilian set. The advert dates from late 1945. Willys-Overland was awarded the 'Jeep' trademark some time after 1945 , but retailers here in Aust. are still advertising shopping 'Jeeps' to this day.

Short history: https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hers...mpany_id=10083

During World War Two Tasma manufactured transmitters and radar sets, and also 100 million plastic bullet tip cores for 303 ammunition, as well as many other mass produced items.

The requirements of the military during WWII and the Korean War with low, Government regulated profit margins took a great toll on Tasma and they suffered appalling losses.[2]

Thanks to Ray R. A manual for the TASMA amenities receiver is on-line at: https://www.tuberadio.com/robinson/Manuals/AM5.pdf The cct diagram is dated April 1944.