Thank you for the reference, it is very appreciated. Indeed I had no idea about these italian HMV gramophones - I wrongly thought the usual UK models were sold until the start of WW2 and thereafter only German or Swiss machines were avaliable in very limited quantities.Marco Gilardetti wrote:MODEL 144
I could find nor catalogue nor commercial entries for this portable, but it has been discussed quite extensively on a thread on this forum. Clearly derivative of the rightly famous HMV 102 model, it features a Thorens 530 motor and other parts probably made by Thorens side by side with some distinctive HMV hardware like the manual brake tab, the key lock and the revolving corner needle holder. The original poster (fellow "HMV130" on this forum, who intially had no idea about this Italian-specific line of gramophones) very cleverly dated it between 1939 and no later than 1945 judging by the motor with which it was equipped, and he also guessed that the oxidized bronze fittings ranked it as a de luxe model. I have to agree in full, and in my opinion the model 144 might have taken the place of the previously available model 103/103A.
The unit was unfortunately found in poor conditions. However, when disassembled, it showed a high quality and very well engineered exponential horn. Also interesting is the automatic brake control lever, which features writings in Italian language.
The original post can be read here. I'm re-uploading the pictures that were provided for that thread below, as there is an 800 pixels limit which inhibits simply linking to them.
Unfortunately the restoring process of the Mod. 144 that I bought few years ago (which is shown here and in mine original topic) has been suspended and the machine itself has been set-aside due to some serious damages of the motor and turntable plate. I hope I will be able to find a right thorens turntable replacemnt to restore it propely.
Following the translations of the advertisements.
- Deluxe Mod. 103 - The deluxe gramophone of exquisite workmanship, power and naturalness in sound reproduction. Perfect in every way. No. 1 diaphragm. Exponential horn. Amplifying tonearm. Single spring motor. 25cm turntable for records of greater diameter. Graded speed control. Automatic brake. External and swivel needle holder. Record tray for 12 records of 25cm. Key-lock. Bronze metal corners. Available in black, red, blue leatherette. NATIONAL PRODUCT.
Mod. 104 - Refined gramophone capable of clear, natural and sharp sound reproduction. Diaphragm of exclusive design. Exponential horn. Amplifying tonearm. Single spring motor. 25cm turntable for records of greater diameter. Graded speed control. Automatic brake. External and swivel needle holder. The lid is equipped with a record storage for 6 records up to 25cm each. Key-lock. Rubber feet. Nichel or oxidised plated fittings. Leather handle. Available in black, red, blue leatherette. Approx. 5kg. NATIONAL PRODUCT.
Mod. 137 - Graceful and perfect case. Excellent reproduction of sound and voices. New diaphragm "La Voce del Padrone" No. 33A. Exponential horn. Swan neck tonearm. Speed control. Automatic brake. Angular swivel needle holder. Record tray that can be set on the turntable. Key-lock. Available in black, blue, dark red.
Mod. 139 - Solid and practical case capable of remarkable sound performance. New diaphragm "La Voce del Padrone" No. 36. Exponential horn. Swan neck tonearm. Speed control. Automatic brake. Covered needle cup. The lid is equipped with a record storage for 6 records. Double key-lock. Available in black, blue, red, brown.