HMV model 144
Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 1:29 pm
Hello to everyone I am quite new to this forum so I hope the thread follows all the community guidelines.
Recently I bought this very interesting portable sold by the Italian branch of The Gramophone Co. ("La voce del padrone").
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any related information (also the model is not among the "export" ones which are mentioned in the book "The Perfect Portable Gramophone - His Master's Voice" by Dave Cooper).
I assume that this has not been assembled at Hayes or with all the components from it because all the engraved instructions are in Italian (i.e. speed indicator plate etc. - I also own an Italian HMV Mod.102 and with the exception of the lid transfer everything is written in English and marked "The Gramophone Company, Hayes Middlesex ).
The following components are for sure not HMV:
1. the motor is a Thorens Mod.530 (with the appropriate cranking handle)
2. the tonearm resembles a large bore HMV one but it shrinks to the point where an HMV No.4 soundbox fits
3. the needle container
4. the handle retaining clips (and also the handle itself)
I am not sure about the horn which in shape and size is equal to the one of an HMV Mod.102 but the metal sheet looks thinner, and about metal corners.
Regarding the soundbox it is a Columbia (more likely EMI) No.21.
Cosmetically the gramophone is covered with a snake blue marine leatherette and has internal florentine bronze fittings so I assume it is some sort of De-Luxe version (interestingly the external fittings have been subject to bluing).
If someone could provide me with more information that would be very much appreciated. I think it has not been sold/made before 1939 and the swiss motor made me think it was not made after 1945 (more or less).
P.s: please ignore all the chaos of the laboratory visible in the background
Recently I bought this very interesting portable sold by the Italian branch of The Gramophone Co. ("La voce del padrone").
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any related information (also the model is not among the "export" ones which are mentioned in the book "The Perfect Portable Gramophone - His Master's Voice" by Dave Cooper).
I assume that this has not been assembled at Hayes or with all the components from it because all the engraved instructions are in Italian (i.e. speed indicator plate etc. - I also own an Italian HMV Mod.102 and with the exception of the lid transfer everything is written in English and marked "The Gramophone Company, Hayes Middlesex ).
The following components are for sure not HMV:
1. the motor is a Thorens Mod.530 (with the appropriate cranking handle)
2. the tonearm resembles a large bore HMV one but it shrinks to the point where an HMV No.4 soundbox fits
3. the needle container
4. the handle retaining clips (and also the handle itself)
I am not sure about the horn which in shape and size is equal to the one of an HMV Mod.102 but the metal sheet looks thinner, and about metal corners.
Regarding the soundbox it is a Columbia (more likely EMI) No.21.
Cosmetically the gramophone is covered with a snake blue marine leatherette and has internal florentine bronze fittings so I assume it is some sort of De-Luxe version (interestingly the external fittings have been subject to bluing).
If someone could provide me with more information that would be very much appreciated. I think it has not been sold/made before 1939 and the swiss motor made me think it was not made after 1945 (more or less).
P.s: please ignore all the chaos of the laboratory visible in the background