Blue HMV 102a - What Year?

[Garret]

I picked this HMV 102a portable up yesterday. Can someone tell me from what year it is? It has a 5b on it now, but it came with the early press-fit reproducer.

Thanks!

Garret

[soundgen]

I suppose it's 1928 ? May be worth reading this

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=37206

[Henry]

That's a beauty! I wish those would show up on this side of the pond.

[Garret]

They show up here sparingly.

[RolandVV-360]

I recall within the past couple of years that a few black 102s have surfaced in or around the state of Virginia, and usually sold for cheap. A few red ones and the like, but unfortunately in pretty bad price ranges. If you keep your eye out, you'll find a good one floating around the eastern seaboard... Eventually.

[epigramophone]

The HMV102 was introduced in mid 1931. It featured a complicated autobrake which proved unreliable, and was replaced in early 1932 by the 102a which had a simplified autobrake which could be disengaged if desired, and a manual brake. The 102a was replaced during 1933 by the 102b, the main difference being the motor board which was made of wood rather than metal.

Your machine, which appears to be in pristine condition, therefore dates from 1932 or 1933. This book, out of print and expensive secondhand, is a good guide to HMV portables :

[nostalgia]

That's a great machine, Garret. Congratulations with a great find. I always love to see when a pristine/good looking colored HMV/Columbia portable shows up on the forum! It also means another machine has been saved from oblivion.

[Garret]

Your machine, which appears to be in pristine condition, therefore dates from 1932 or 1933. This book, out of print and expensive secondhand, is a good guide to HMV portables :

Thanks so much for sharing!

Garret