Help with HMV102 Portable

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zapper
Victor II
Posts: 245
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:21 pm
Location: UK

Help with HMV102 Portable

Post by zapper »

Just picked up this brown 102. Can anyone help me with some queries. I would like to know the age. I have looked at the label under the turntable and attached a photo. The sound box is a #16. Is this correct. The transfer is missing from the lid. Looks like it has been scratched off. Maybe when the records were stored on the tray.
I look forward to hearing anyones help before I strip and clean it.
Brian
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Oedipus
Victor II
Posts: 298
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2018 7:59 am

Re: Help with HMV102 Portable

Post by Oedipus »

The 102 was introduced in August 1931. Brown and grey were discontinued in 1934, so it dates from that period. The 16 soundbox is correct (it was also discontinued, replaced by the 5a, in the course of 1934). This one has the No 6 automatic brake, which replaced the original Universal brake, no 5, early in 1932. That makes it a 102A. The serial number suggests that this one dates from 1933, though we have no records to check these pre-1936 numbers against. The metal motor board started to give way to a wooden one in 1933, but on a slow-selling model like the brown, it is likely that metal boards continued into 1934.

zapper
Victor II
Posts: 245
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:21 pm
Location: UK

Re: Help with HMV102 Portable

Post by zapper »

Thanks for your prompt reply. The winding handle is now stuck firm so I will need to dismantle to remove and clean and lubricate bearings and spring.
Brian

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BassetHoundTrio
Victor I
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Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2017 11:07 am
Location: Chicago, IL
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Re: Help with HMV102 Portable

Post by BassetHoundTrio »

Congratulations! Wonderful machine, and not the basic black. You can purchase a newly-made water slide decal for the lid - there is are eBay sellers which have them.
zapper wrote:Just picked up this brown 102. Can anyone help me with some queries. I would like to know the age. I have looked at the label under the turntable and attached a photo. The sound box is a #16. Is this correct. The transfer is missing from the lid. Looks like it has been scratched off. Maybe when the records were stored on the tray.
I look forward to hearing anyones help before I strip and clean it.
Brian

GramophoneSmith
Victor Jr
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 8:34 pm

Re: Help with HMV102 Portable

Post by GramophoneSmith »

I would date this 1932-34.

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