HMV 303 portable

[Steve]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275866051825 ... R9i3_o6JYg

Interesting plaque on motorboard: "Assembled in India from Indian and foreign components" (presumably British?)

[epigramophone]

Similar to the Model 300, the Model 303 in black cost 152.5 Rupees. Blue Green and Red cost 157.5 Rupees.
The double spring motor is stamped "Made in England" but was it made at Hayes? It looks like a Garrard to me.

[Steve]

Similar to the Model 300, the Model 303 in black cost 152.5 Rupees. Blue Green and Red cost 157.5 Rupees.
The double spring motor is stamped "Made in England" but was it made at Hayes? It looks like a Garrard to me.

It is a Garrard.

[poodling around]

It looks a little bit 'tired' - so would fit right in with the rest of my collection !

Watching the video with that fantastic record playing makes me want it !

I guess there would be a 20% VAT customs charge though ........ might be cheaper to fly to Delhi and return with it as hand luggage .......

[Steve]

It looks a little bit 'tired' - so would fit right in with the rest of my collection !

Watching the video with that fantastic record playing makes me want it !

I guess there would be a 20% VAT customs charge though ........ might be cheaper to fly to Delhi and return with it as hand luggage .......

Go for it. You won't see another one for 20 years.

[Steve]

Looking at it again, it occurs to me this is essentially an 87 in an 88 case, without the lid spring to hold records down onto turntable (87), minus the Columbia style needle bowl and lid "plunger" (88) but with the double spring motor (94) and corner needle tray (102/97/94). Have I missed anything?

[Phono48]

[

It is a Garrard.

That's strange! This is the motor from an HMV 94. Identical to the 303 motor, but clearly stamped with the HMV trademark. So, is it Columbia, HMV or a bit of both?

Barry

[Steve]

[

It is a Garrard.

That's strange! This is the motor from an HMV 94. Identical to the 303 motor, but clearly stamped with the HMV trademark. So, is it Columbia, HMV or a bit of both?

Barry

The 303 motor is not badged as an HMV or Columbia but certainly looks similar to some Garrard motors.

[Phono48]

So, is it Columbia, HMV or a bit of both?

Barry

Why did I bring Columbia into the equation? I should have said GARRARD or HMV. I certainly agree that the 303 motor does look to be a Garrard, but why on earth would Garrard be supplying motors to HMV? As far as motors went, surely they were rival firms?

Barry

[Oedipus]

Garrard supplied motors to Columbia, and continued to do so after the formation of EMI until their contract expired. But I think this is an HMV (or EMI) motor, a double spring version of the motors used in the cheaper portables in the 1930s, which were clearly inspired by Garrad designs.