GRAMOPHONES
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HMV Model 102 Portable in Red
Circa 1933
Plus Matching Record Carrying Case
Originally part of the Ian Calderbank Collection of Gramophones.
This Gramophone has been Sold, but the details might be of interest to fellow Collectors.
Advert from the 1934 HMV Catalogue
"THE WORLD'S FINEST PORTABLE"
(HMV's description of this Gramophone -There was no Advertising Standards Agency in the 1930's).
HMV portable Gramophones were normally black. Coloured portables are rare, the original purchase price was £6 compared with £5.60 for the black model. Only 40p difference, but when you consider weekly wages of £2 or £3 per week, it was only the wealthy who would pay extra for a coloured model.
Coloured HMV Portables are sought after by Collectors.
In the 1930’s as electric record players reduced in price, the age of the wind-up Gramophone was drawing to a close, the HMV Model 102 introduced in July 1931 was probably the pinnacle of what could be achieved with the portable wind-up Gramophone.
The 1931 model was introduced with a rather complicated Universal braking system, by the end of 1932 this had been replaced by a far simpler system.
The serial number on the deck is “Model 102042671. It has a No. 16 Soundbox, this preceded the, 5A and 5B indicating the first incarnation of the 102 with simpler design braking. The motor is a Type 271D by The Gramophone Co. Hayes Middx, it has a single 1” 14 foot 550 gm spring. Single handed lid operation. Automatic start / brake. A red deck And red 10” Turntable. Graduated speed regulator. Pivoted needle bowl and spring clip for a “Tungstyle” needle tin. Case size 11½” Wide, 16½” Deep, 6½” High.
Condition:- The gramophone is in very good original condition complete with the removable Record Tray. These Record trays were very often lost, making the Gramophone incomplete from a Collectors point of view, during 1936 HMV dispensed with the Record tray for subsequent production, but this circa 1933 version of the 102 is complete with its tray. The internal chrome nickel plate is very good, but in common with most portable Gramophones there is minor wear to the exterior plate of the lid catch and carrying strap holders.
The motor has been serviced by a specialist Gramophone Engineer with the main spring removed cleaned and repacked in new grease ready for another 70 years.
I have tried to describe the Gramophone accurately. However, it must be born in mind unlike many "Antiques" that have been safely stored against the ravages of time in a display cabinet; the Gramophone was a Domestic Appliance which was a main source of home entertainment.
Realistically the only Gramophones that won't show signs of age are over restored examples, or the reproduction models imported from the Far East.
HMV Model 102 Red 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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