Phono48 wrote:
The automatic brake is a later addition to a standard green 101. It stops the turntable mechanically, not electrically, as there is no electrical supply to it. It is missing the little round leather pad that fits in the circular bit of the brake, and hits the turntable when the brake is activated. With regards to the electric pick-up, they are rarely in working condition, and are now of little practical use, unless you have a vintage valve radio to use in conjunction with the gramophone, so are of curiosity value only.
Norman Field has quite a bit about these devices on his site. He demonstrates an HMV version (played through his computer) and while the sound quality is very good it is not exceptional- and it causes greater record wear than an acoustic soundbox.
I have Parlophone portable with a GRAWOR pick up whicj must be factory fitted- there is a fitting in the case which the cables plug into, with a volume control which plugs into the outer side. A very neat appearance.