An interesting portable.

[epigramophone]

This anonymous portable has some interesting features, including a detachable tonearm which fits on the outside of the case.
I have seen a similar arrangement on a Hymnophon.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394725706421 ... p_homepage

[Inigo]

It's a nice little tempting thing!

[Steve]

I don't think it's military as the seller suggests. The very crudely made slot for the carrying handle is the most intriguing aspect for me. Why on earth would you need to conceal the carrying handle like that?

[Oedipus]

See For the Record, No 29, Spring 2009, page 252. It's a Blum & Co 'Alfresco', also sold as the 'Picnic Compact'. I demonstrated it subsequently at a Malvern meeting, but can't remember the year. Mine is covered in black leathercloth, and I suggest that it was the first black portable. Can anyone point to an earlier one (pre-1912, that is)?

I underbid the wooden one, but its condition looked suspect and I didn't feel inclined to go overboard for it, despite the intriguing handle.

[poodling around]

See For the Record, No 29, Spring 2009, page 252. It's a Blum & Co 'Alfresco', also sold as the 'Picnic Compact'. I demonstrated it subsequently at a Malvern meeting, but can't remember the year. Mine is covered in black leathercloth, and I suggest that it was the first black portable. Can anyone point to an earlier one (pre-1912, that is)?

I underbid the wooden one, but its condition looked suspect and I didn't feel inclined to go overboard for it, despite the intriguing handle.

Oh. Like the one on John Sleep's website maybe:

https://www.windupgram.co.uk/alfresco-p ... ramophone/

Interesting.

[Steve]

What is that on the left hand bottom corner of the lid?

[Steve]

This anonymous portable has some interesting features, including a detachable tonearm which fits on the outside of the case.
I have seen a similar arrangement on a Hymnophon.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394725706421 ... p_homepage

Someone hasn't read their For the Record, No 29, Spring 2009, page 252, quite obviously!

[epigramophone]

This anonymous portable has some interesting features, including a detachable tonearm which fits on the outside of the case.
I have seen a similar arrangement on a Hymnophon.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394725706421 ... p_homepage

Someone hasn't read their For the Record, No 29, Spring 2009, page 252, quite obviously!

I read it in Spring 2009, 14 years ago!

[IainW]

In answer to the question raised by Steve, my guess is that it is that it maybe the blanking plate for the tone arm hole.

[Steve]

In answer to the question raised by Steve, my guess is that it is that it maybe the blanking plate for the tone arm hole.

That's a good shout, thank you!