Decca portable, which model?

[78monarch]

Does anyone know which model this Decca is? I have seen that it is called Dulcephone. Is that correct?

[epigramophone]

Most Decca portables have a paper label under the turntable showing the model number and the exact date of manufacture.

The early models such as yours were indeed known as Decca Dulcephones, and the bowl in lid sound reflector was known as the Dulciflex.

Because this type of portable was used by Allied soldiers during the First World War it is often referred to as the "Trench" model, but it is rare to find one which actually saw wartime service. Most surviving examples date from the early 1920's.

The soundbox on your machine is of later date than the original.

[78monarch]

Yes I know that the soundbox isn't original, and I think may be the hand crank too.
And here is the paper label too.

[estott]

Looks like that one was assembled in 1936, which seems a little late for that style with the lid chains- maybe old stock being sent out cheap?

[Steve]

It's a Style 2 from about 1915/16. The "36" is not a reference to the year of manufacture! Decca usually put dates on the machines but they were specific to the day, month and year of assembly. The "Style 2" refers to the fibrocite exterior covering. The "3" version was identical but otherwise covered in leather whilst the rare "4" was made in a SOLID teak cabinet specifically intended for export and "tropical" environments

[epigramophone]

The date of manufacture is printed on the bottom line of the label, but I cannot read all of it. The month (5) is May, but the day and year are unclear.

[Steve]

Crikey, your eyes are much better than mine, Roger! Well spotted. I think it's 30-05-15? Anyway, I'm off to Specsavers.

[epigramophone]

Having pointed out that the machine is fitted with a later soundbox, here is a picture of an original fitted to my 1923 Decca. The basic 1914 design had changed very little by this date.

[78monarch]

Thanks for all the information

[tinovanderzwan]

the fist decca trenchphones stemt from the dulcephone co
it was the dulcephone that came out with a phono they called the portable it was a small hornless wich would fit in a suitcase
afcourse the idea came to marry the suitcase and the phonograph and the first decca dulcephone was born

some of the trenchphones have id some have not some have the name decca all over them some have not

the early ones have brass or painted reflectors and the dulcephone soundbox