Heathkit Reel to Reel Tape Recorders

Heathkit manufactured electronic kits from 1947 until 1992

Edward Bayard Heath bought the Bates Aeroplane Co in 1911 , which was renamed to E.B. Heath Aerial Vehicle Co.

By 1926 they manufactured the Heath Parasol, a light aircraft in kit form. Heath died in 1931 in a test flight.
In 1935, Howard Anthony purchased the Heath Company, selling small aircraft accessories. Post World War II they got into the electronics industry, after buying a large stock of surplus electronic parts.
In 1947, Heath introduced its first electronic kit, the O1 oscilloscope with a 5-inch CRT display selling for $39.50, a very fair price and it became a big seller.

The kit concept caught on in a big way as consumers could buy similar product to factory assembled models at a much lower price and have fun at the same time building it. See Pic below.
These kits continued to be quite successful even after the Japanese had entered the consumer electronics market, although the savings were not as significant.