Is this an original French HMV machine?

[Enrico]

What do you think?
Thanks for looking.
Enrico

[Enrico]

Do you like it now?

[Jerry B.]

?yes, I do like it now!

Jerry B.

[Enrico]

?yes, I do like it now!

Jerry B.

[Curt A]

That is a very attractive machine... wish I had one...

[jamiegramo]

Hi Enrico,

In answer to your earlier question. The base is definitely Gramophone Company. The case appears to be the same or similar to the British single-spring HMV Model B of 1912 which corresponds to the date you have on the underside. This case design also appeared in Britain with a double-spring motor, as yours, but normally marketed as a Zonophone*. On main land Europe it may have normally appeared under the HMV badge as your example shows.

The horn is great. HMV in Britain, like Victor in the States, never used this type of decorated pressed steel horn. On the continent it was different but I find it rather curios that the horn should have the English transfer. Do you think it could have been lately added? Areas of loss or wear occur in the depressions rather than on the high bumps as would normally be the case with old wear. This suggests it was poorly applied. The green paint is worn above the word 'LTD' but the wear ends abruptly at the edge of the decal.

Jamie

*See 'His Master's Gramophone'..... well, if you can, it's out of print.

[Enrico]

Hi Enrico,

In answer to your earlier question. The base is definitely Gramophone Company. The case appears to be the same or similar to the British single-spring HMV Model B of 1912 which corresponds to the date you have on the underside. This case design also appeared in Britain with a double-spring motor, as yours, but normally marketed as a Zonophone*. On main land Europe it may have normally appeared under the HMV badge as your example shows.

The horn is great. HMV in Britain, like Victor in the States, never used this type of decorated pressed steel horn. On the continent it was different but I find it rather curios that the horn should have the English transfer. Do you think it could have been lately added? Areas of loss or wear occur in the depressions rather than on the high bumps as would normally be the case with old wear. This suggests it was poorly applied. The green paint is worn above the word 'LTD' but the wear ends abruptly at the edge of the decal.

Jamie

*See 'His Master's Gramophone'..... well, if you can, it's out of print.

Dear Jamie,

I apologize for the late replay.

As for the decal, I think you may be right. The decal application seems to have been made many years ago, so it has become historic!

Thank you so much, as always, for all the useful information!

All the best,
Enrico