An interesting find

[edisonclassm]

I picked this machine up the other day. I believe it is an HMV model 510 Lumiere. Correct me if I'm wrong. Beautiful cabinet. Absolutely delightful to listen to. Really shows off my Caruso records as well as the classical recordings.

[tomb]

Wow that is stunning Nice catch... You need to go buy lottery now.

[epigramophone]

The Models 510 and 460 were introduced in late 1924. They were not a commercial success, and only one year later they were withdrawn. The cabinets were repurposed with conventional acoustic systems and became the Models 511 and 461.

[edisonclassm]

Wow! I didn't realize they were made for such a short period of time! That is why they rarely turn up especially on this side of the world.

[edisonclassm]

Wow! I didn't realize they were made for such a short period of time! That is why they rarely turn up especially on this side of the world.

[Phono-Phan]

Wow!!! The wood grain is awesome. I am surprised it has survived all these years. Does the pleated resonator store below? It looks quite fragile.

[Jerry B.]

Does the pleated resonator store below?

The pleated resonator can be turned so it's flat and just above the turntable. The allows the lid to be closed. I think production was short because the pleated resonator was fragile and it was competing with Orthophonic technology.

Jerry B.

[edisonclassm]

It sounds almost as full as an Orthophonic but is a little lacking in the lower range. But still very bright and clear with very nice tonal qualities

[CarlosV]

I think production was short because the pleated resonator was fragile and it was competing with Orthophonic technology.

Jerry B.

On top of what Jerry mentioned, the diaphragm is a record eater: despite being lightweight it has a high drag that wears records more than conventional arms/soundboxes of the period. From the collector point of view, I like the looks and the uniqueness of these machines, both the English and the French versions (the French one has a different layout, with the diaphragm almost horizontal when playing a record), but I rarely play them.