What is THIS?!

[HMVDevotee]

Offered via Live Auctioneers. Appears to have an HMV grille cloth guard from a mahogany 163, and some other similar characteristics. However, if the carving is real (not molded plastic), this is remarkable casework (IMHO.) I don't recognize the running gear, in particular the motor plate. (N.B.:Not affiliated in any way with the sale. How interesting that the purveyors of Sheppard's Irish Auction House don't know that "19th Century" means the 1800's.)

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/12 ... ntent=item

[epigramophone]

The motor unit is a double spring Garrard. I cannot identify the tonearm and soundbox, but both look British.
The beautiful cabinet was probably made to special order for a high end furniture retailer.
The HMV style grille may be a later addition. It would be interesting to see what horn lies behind it.

[HMVDevotee]

Thanks for the info on the motor. And I agree with your bespoke nature of the casework; it certainly must have been expensive in its day. Attached is another image showing the back of the case. I see no evidence that it is removable, like the HMVs, so I assume removal of the grille is the only access to the horn. In fact, this is the only large cabinet gramophone that I have seen with a fully ornamented back. Pity I live on this side of the pond. Otherwise I'd be traveling, tool kit in hand, to investigate further. What an interesting find if it included an HMV re-entrant horn as the grill guard suggests. I hope if it is acquired by a Forum member that they share the details of its construction.

[Steve]

A stunning and obviously completely original machine. That is not an HMV grille, by the way, but a typical 1930s style grille, simply made popular by HMV. If you look closely around the edges you'll spot how it is different to the HMV type and how it's been "picture framed" into its position. The grille cloth was also commonly used by other makers of the day.

You might also spot the planted on moldings and decoration to the doors and sides which are identical to the Decca 77.

I'd buy it if it was more conveniently located.

[HMVDevotee]

If anyone on the Forum was able to pick this up, please tell us about it!
Robert