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HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:55 pm
by poodling around
Does anyone know anything about these lifting devices ?

Like who made them etc.


It doesn't have any identification markings.

I guess quite a few were made at the time as I see them every-so-often.

I assume they were sold in a box of some type ?


Although it adds a bit of weight to the soundbox it does make placing and lifting easier - and I must admit I think it looks pretty 'cool' :lol:

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:20 am
by Phono48
Soundbox lifters were advertised in HMVs' 1924 catalogue, priced at three shillings for the nickel plated version, and four shillings for the gilt. Available for the "Exhibition" or No.2 soundboxes.

Barry

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:32 am
by Steve
I have one in my collection but I'm not impressed with how it compromised the sound quality of an Exhibition soundbox when I tried it out.

It's just something to look at now. Personally I think handling the soundbox is a more tactile experience, it's easier and safer and it doesn't damage the soundbox. So why did they offer them?

If you suffer from arthritis I'm not sure they help?

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:50 am
by poodling around
Phono48 wrote:Soundbox lifters were advertised in HMVs' 1924 catalogue, priced at three shillings for the nickel plated version, and four shillings for the gilt. Available for the "Exhibition" or No.2 soundboxes.

Barry
Wow, great information ! I am now very much wiser and grateful. (I hope mine is the guilt version !).

Thanks very much Barry.

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:57 am
by poodling around
Steve wrote:I have one in my collection but I'm not impressed with how it compromised the sound quality of an Exhibition soundbox when I tried it out.

It's just something to look at now. Personally I think handling the soundbox is a more tactile experience, it's easier and safer and it doesn't damage the soundbox. So why did they offer them?

If you suffer from arthritis I'm not sure they help?

Thanks Steve, very interesting indeed.

I see what you mean so it seems to be a 'marmite' item then. (Which means either you love it or hate it - in case this light-hearted reference eludes anyone). :)

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:51 am
by Curt A
Marmite is a food spread made from yeast extract invented by German scientist Justus von Liebig and originally made in the United Kingdom. It is a by-product of beer brewing and is produced by Anglo-Dutch company Unilever.

Question: What do you do with it, and why? :? :lol:

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:16 am
by gramophoneshane
Curt A wrote:
Question: What do you do with it, and why? :? :lol:
Like Vegemite and Promote, you spread it on your bread, toast or crumpets, and eat it lol.
You only need a tiny amount. If you spread it like peanut butter you'll probably want to throw up.

Apparently during the war, they'd mix a teaspoon full in a mug of hot water and drink it as a substitute for beef soup.
They're all great if you want way too much salt in your system.

I wouldn't recommend greasing your phonograph spring with it though, even though it resembles graphite grease lol.

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:31 am
by poodling around
Curt A wrote:Marmite is a food spread made from yeast extract invented by German scientist Justus von Liebig and originally made in the United Kingdom. It is a by-product of beer brewing and is produced by Anglo-Dutch company Unilever.

Question: What do you do with it, and why? :? :lol:

Marmite is fantastic in moderation on toasted and buttered bread.

Cut it into soldiers and dip into boiled eggs.

Heaven !!!!!!!

People here either love it or hate it !

If you haven't tried it and want to try it, in my personal opinion, it is very different to Vegemite so you may want to try both.

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 11:34 am
by Henry
Dip your morning Weetabix in Marmite, and you've achieved the ultimate----something-or-other. (insert emojipuke here: )

Re: HMV No. 2 Soundbox - The Lifting Thingamabob

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 11:47 am
by CarlosV
Definitely an acquired taste. To me it tasted like pure salt, good if you suffer from low blood pressure!