NEECO

The 'Neeco' brand was introduced in NZ in 1940.

'Neeco' branded equipment was manufactured by various companies, they were distributed by National Electric & Engineering Co. Ltd. Currently there are 7 documented models.

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.

Introduction of NEECO Advertisement
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:

NEECO Anounces new radio line
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 Advert for NEECO
Sedley Wells Press Advert Throughout 1940
NEECO Radio advertisement ODT
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:

NEECO and the War Effort
Evening Post, 7 May 1943

 

 

Manufacturing resumed after the war in late 1945.

7 Documented Neeco Models
IMAGEYEAR MODEL CODE VALVES BANDS
1940 Neeco model 140 6 + eye  Dual Wave 
1940 Neeco 1940 4V PB 4  Broadcast 
1940 Neeco 1940 6V+ DW 6  Dual Wave 
1941ish Neeco model 104 5  Broadcast 
1941 Neeco model 541  Dual Wave 
1941 Neeco model 641 6  Dual Wave 
1949ish Neeco model 95P 'Band Master' 5  Broadcast