This view shows the Little Nipper receiver as it landed on my workbench. It was dirty and fitted with the wrong knobs - and that was just the outside.

HMV used the name "Little Nipper" for a popular line of mantel receivers made from the 1940s through to the 1960s - just as Astor used the name "Mickey" for some of its receivers. The line-up included many different models in various formats, including the 62-52 unit featured here.

Basically, the "Little Nipper" receivers came with either four or five valves and were usually broadcast band receivers only. However, some dual-wave sets also carried the "Little Nipper" name.

These sets were all "middle-of-the-road" in terms of quality, with good performance and an attractive appearance. The various designs were well thought out and they were generally easy to work on.

Naturally, the circuit designs and the appearance evolved as time went by. The cabinets changed too, progressing from bakelite to plastic in the later years.