Ducrete Thomson Houston

Ducretet Thomson is a historic French company with origins dating back to the late 19th century, founded by the scientist Eugène Adrien Ducretet. Initially, the company produced scientific instruments and early sound reproduction devices, including one of the first "plate phonographs" (tinfoil disc players) in 1879 and phonographs for cylinders. Over time, Ducretet et cie. evolved and was absorbed into the French Thomson Group, expanding its product range to include early televisions and consumer electronics.

The "Thomson" part of the name traces back to the Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston (CFTH), established in Paris in 1893 as a French subsidiary and partner of the American Thomson-Houston Electric Company, a precursor to General Electric. CFTH specialized in electrical distribution, traction motors, and later expanded into consumer electronics and military communications. The Thomson Group grew through mergers and nationalization, eventually becoming Thomson SA in 1983.

Ducretet Thomson also became known as a record label brand until the late 1950s, reflecting its involvement in audio and music industries. The company’s legacy is intertwined with the broader Thomson industrial conglomerate, which played a significant role in the development of French electronics and broadcasting technology throughout the 20th century.

In summary, Ducretet Thomson’s origins lie in pioneering scientific and audio equipment manufacturing in France, evolving through integration with the Thomson Group, which itself was a major player in electrical and electronic industries. This heritage underpins the company’s historical association with turntables and audio devices in France.