World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?

[poodling around]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly, the first of the Decca Trench models also had a round speed control, rather than the common Paillard open face shield shaped speed control.

If you are correct then your information is very useful indeed to me.

[poodling around]

I notice that they were sold in 'Solid Cowhide'.

I guess the 'Solid' part refers to the use of solid wood underneath the 'Cowhide' ?

What is 'Cowhide' though - is that just another name for real leather ?

[soundgen]

Yes but much thicker aka cardboard re paper

[soundgen]

Over the last 40 years i have owned / sold 100s of Decca " Trench " gramophones , the earliest I have ever found was dated 1919 , never had one from 1914 to 1918 they must be like Hen's teeth !

[poodling around]

Yes but much thicker aka cardboard re paper

Aha, I see ! Thank you soundgen - another useful fact for me to store away.

[poodling around]

Over the last 40 years i have owned / sold 100s of Decca " Trench " gramophones , the earliest I have ever found was dated 1919 , never had one from 1914 to 1918 they must be like Hen's teeth !

If they have copper 'lid reflectors', two chains, a round speed control, the handle is attached to the lid and different closing 'catches' then I see what you mean. At least I am far more knowledgeable now and know what to look for.

Oh, I think I have finally found one !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Decca-Portab ... Sw2nNgDUa1

[soundgen]

Another supposedly 1914 one here !


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW1-DECCA-PO ... 0168.m2941

[poodling around]

Another supposedly 1914 one here !


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW1-DECCA-PO ... 0168.m2941

The first one 'above' from me seems to tick all of my newly found tick boxes and yet yours seems to have a verifiable serial number. Hmmmmm .........

[soundgen]

Another supposedly 1914 one here !


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW1-DECCA-PO ... 0168.m2941

Actually made in 1923 ! the seller posted the label for me !

[gramophoneshane]

Oh, I think I have finally found one !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Decca-Portab ... Sw2nNgDUa1

That certainly appears to be an early one to me.
Something I notice that I hadn't noticed before is the Decca name is embossed on the tonearm rather than in the bowl where it's normally seen.
I guess that's one more thing that must indicate an early example.

I'd be interested to know what brand motor was in this one.
I seem to recall seeing or reading somewhere that the earliest trench models used a motor by Thorens rather than Paillard, which might explain the round speed control and brake.