Strange unidentified portable

[Steve]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193925079970

This is currently on UK Ebay at an astonishingly optimistic price but what exactly is it? I thought at first it had been re-covered and re-plated throughout but I'm no longer convinced of my own scepticism. Certain details almost ring true.

However the winding handle just seems wrong to me. Its a typical Columbia arrangement but crucially missing the aperture for the handle to fold into. There's nowhere visible to store the handle in transit either so it just stays there jutting out all the time!

So what exactly have we got here?

[jamiegramo]

It seems they’ve copied ideas from HMV and Columbia like the needle tray and the winding handle. However this winding handle doesn’t fold over into an aperture, it pushes up and turns to the side so that the knob lies flat against the side of the case.

I suspect this machine is correct however the price doesn’t.

[Inigo]

Is it maybe a Garrard portable? Did Garrard ever sell complete machines?

[Inigo]

Indeed it looks luxurious! The finishes look elegant and resistant, and the hardware seems very solid. That soundbox I cannot recognize, but looks like one of the later Paillard or Thorens good soundboxes.

[Steve]

If it was Garrard, but I don't think they made their own gramophones, why wouldn't it have the namely proudly emblazoned across the lid tray like all other makers' names? It wants to remain anonymous. In my eyes, anonymity equals suspicion!

[jamiegramo]

Is it maybe a Garrard portable? Did Garrard ever sell complete machines?

Rarely or at least I haven’t seen one. They really were just suppliers of motors and parts in this period. Many machines that are described as Garrard are anonymous but have a Garrard motor.

[Steve]

Is it maybe a Garrard portable? Did Garrard ever sell complete machines?

Rarely or at least I haven’t seen one. They really were just suppliers of motors and parts in this period. Many machines that are described as Garrard are anonymous but have a Garrard motor.

I agree with you but how many completely anonymous portables (or "off-brand" other types of machine) have you seen? Most have some name on them even if it's just a shop name / retailer.

[gramophoneshane]

For when the link expires

[jamiegramo]

Is it maybe a Garrard portable? Did Garrard ever sell complete machines?

Rarely or at least I haven’t seen one. They really were just suppliers of motors and parts in this period. Many machines that are described as Garrard are anonymous but have a Garrard motor.

I agree with you but how many completely anonymous portables (or "off-brand" other types of machine) have you seen? Most have some name on them even if it's just a shop name / retailer.

It’s strange but true. I can’t recall another anonymous portable although I can think of a few cabinets, table models and Swissie horn machines types. It seems that Curry’s rarely marked their machines.

[Steve]

Thanks, Shane!

What's your take on it, I wonder?