Basket case HMV horn gramophone

Discussions on Talking Machines of British or European Manufacture
epigramophone
Victor Monarch Special
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Personal Text: An analogue relic trapped in a digital world.
Location: The Somerset Levels, UK.

Re: Basket case HMV horn gramophone

Post by epigramophone »

HCM would make this machine a Model 2 in mahogany. According to "His Master's Gramophone" it had a production life from 1910 to 1925, and for the final three years was known as the Model 20.

Menophanes
Victor II
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Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:52 am
Location: Redruth, Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Basket case HMV horn gramophone

Post by Menophanes »

Now that I think of it, this looks identical to one I formerly owned. I knew it as an 'Intermediate Monarch', and it bore a date-stamp including the year 1913; unfortunately I have no note of the serial number. All the nickel-plating had disappeared, but the woodwork (including the mahogany horn) was sound. I sold it – very reluctantly, because I knew I would never have another like it – for about £1100.00.

Oliver Mundy.

Oedipus
Victor II
Posts: 298
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2018 7:59 am

Re: Basket case HMV horn gramophone

Post by Oedipus »

The H.C.M. designation makes it no earlier than 1913, and the Dennison speed control seems to have lasted until about 1915 (as does the early motor with 'flat' top plate and coarse gears). So it is a Model 2 from 1913-15. That being so, the soundbox should be a U.S.A. made Gramophone Co one, with a serial number on the back. An HMV Exhibition with no serial number would date from post 1918.

A few copies of His Master's Gramophone are still available.

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