EMG Register to assist dating and EMG/Expert synopsis.
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:38 am
As far as I know, there is no list of EMG manufacturing numbers available anywhere.
In order to assist in dating, I have therefore recorded the numbers stamped on the deck-boards of the gramophones which I have seen and find that No. 174 is the earliest---a Mk Xa with wooden tonearm rest. The latest is No. 2116---Mk IX which, because of its broken horn, can be positively dated to 8th July 1948 as a result of the newspaper used in its construction. A great many gramophones do not have any numbers stamped on them which presumably points to replacement deck-boards or, in the case of earlier models, no distinguishing numbers ever having been stamped at all ?
The whole area of research is very uncertain and poorly catalogued, thus it would be most interesting if enthusiasts would like to add to this post in due course and begin to complete the larger picture. I would be happy to keep a Register of contributions which will assist us all in dating. Such details ought to include all known history, full current technical details and photographs please.
The attachment below gives details of the Register so far.
I do not know when the numbering system was started but further definite information and evidence will be more than welcome.
The undermentioned details are taken from Frank’s definitive book “The EMG Story”.
Models were introduced in the following years:
Mk VII------------1928 (July)
Mk VIII-----------1928 ? Replaced by Mk IX.
Mk IV-------------1929 (Autumn) Discontinued in 1946.
Mk X--------------1929 (March)
Mk Xa-------------1930 (November)
Mk IX--------------1932
Mk Xb-------------1933
Mk Xb Oversize—1934
Additionally, it is extremely interesting to note Frank’s estimates of manufacturing numbers (also from the book) in tabular from:
Mk Xb--------------------50 (Including Oversize)
Mk Xa--------------------75
Mk X--------------------150
Mk IX-------------------350
Mk VIII-----------------300
MK VII------------------100
Magnaphones----------100
Others--------------------25
Total all models-----1,500 (Acoustic)
Frank states that these figures are educated guesses (based on Balfour Davey’s memory later in life) and should not be taken as gospel but it is interesting to compare the total of 1,500 machines with the last recorded and confirmed number of 2116 for July 1948. Accounting for the difference can only be conjecture at this stage but might point to numbers for different models not being consecutive ? The situation is not helped by the fact that the ivorine “armchair” plates designed by Reggie Brayne in February 1933 were available to any customers---past or present---on request !
I have also attached photographs in support of the 10 initial Register constituents.
In order to assist in dating, I have therefore recorded the numbers stamped on the deck-boards of the gramophones which I have seen and find that No. 174 is the earliest---a Mk Xa with wooden tonearm rest. The latest is No. 2116---Mk IX which, because of its broken horn, can be positively dated to 8th July 1948 as a result of the newspaper used in its construction. A great many gramophones do not have any numbers stamped on them which presumably points to replacement deck-boards or, in the case of earlier models, no distinguishing numbers ever having been stamped at all ?
The whole area of research is very uncertain and poorly catalogued, thus it would be most interesting if enthusiasts would like to add to this post in due course and begin to complete the larger picture. I would be happy to keep a Register of contributions which will assist us all in dating. Such details ought to include all known history, full current technical details and photographs please.
The attachment below gives details of the Register so far.
I do not know when the numbering system was started but further definite information and evidence will be more than welcome.
The undermentioned details are taken from Frank’s definitive book “The EMG Story”.
Models were introduced in the following years:
Mk VII------------1928 (July)
Mk VIII-----------1928 ? Replaced by Mk IX.
Mk IV-------------1929 (Autumn) Discontinued in 1946.
Mk X--------------1929 (March)
Mk Xa-------------1930 (November)
Mk IX--------------1932
Mk Xb-------------1933
Mk Xb Oversize—1934
Additionally, it is extremely interesting to note Frank’s estimates of manufacturing numbers (also from the book) in tabular from:
Mk Xb--------------------50 (Including Oversize)
Mk Xa--------------------75
Mk X--------------------150
Mk IX-------------------350
Mk VIII-----------------300
MK VII------------------100
Magnaphones----------100
Others--------------------25
Total all models-----1,500 (Acoustic)
Frank states that these figures are educated guesses (based on Balfour Davey’s memory later in life) and should not be taken as gospel but it is interesting to compare the total of 1,500 machines with the last recorded and confirmed number of 2116 for July 1948. Accounting for the difference can only be conjecture at this stage but might point to numbers for different models not being consecutive ? The situation is not helped by the fact that the ivorine “armchair” plates designed by Reggie Brayne in February 1933 were available to any customers---past or present---on request !
I have also attached photographs in support of the 10 initial Register constituents.