GRAMOPHONES and PHONOGRAPHS
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HMV Model 102 Portable in Black
1955
Advert from the 1936 HMV Catalogue
"THE WORLD'S FINEST PORTABLE"
(HMV's description of this Gramophone - Possibly No Advertising Standards Agency in the 1930's?).
When the HMV model 102 portable Gramophone was introduced in July 1931 it represented and has remained until finally phased out in 1960 the pinnacle of portable Gramophone excellence. During its long history improvements took place, this Gramophone has the excellent Model 5B Soundbox (the part that holds the needle and produces the sound). The Gramophone also benefits from the powerful 270D motor.
At the List price in March 1953 of £11-2-11 (£11-15) it was quite expensive compared to cheap electric Record Players. HMV Model 102's from the late 1950's were probably made up of parts made in previous years.
With its high cost, this very late Gramophone must be quite rare and near the end of the manufacturing period.
For Collectors Information:- This Gramophone can be dated to 1955, on the motor deck under the turntable the serial number is 102H B/19 42472. The model H was introduced in March 1953, but in 1936 HMV adopted a manufacturing date system, B/19 indicates 1955 because B was 1936 and B/1 1937 etc.
HMV Model 102 Black Portable Gramophone
Extra:- Besides copies of the original advertising for the 102, the book "HMV Gramophones" contains a copy of the original Owners Operating and Maintenance Instructions specifically for this model.
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