Any replacements for the thin strap on late portables?

[larryh]

I have a Telefuken portable which looks much like the HMV portables from the late 20's or 30's. It was missing the handle which I replaced with one of those replacement luggage types but that interferes with the crank. I was wondering if anyone knew of a new replacement for those thin straps I see on them on ebay. Not sure how they work since the look pretty well flat against the machine when not in use?

Larry

[mattrx]

Larry,
I purchased one of the straps from the Netherlands listed in the ebay link below. The strap arrived in about a week and worked perfectly on my red HMV 102. I was very pleased with the product, and the service, and shipping was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I think price + shipping was around $18, certainly less than $20 at the time-about a year ago.
Good Luck,
Matt

[larryh]

Matt, thanks for that information. The links don't seem to be on the message, are they supposed to be? If not do you know what you entered to find them on ebay?

Larry

[zapper]

Hi Larry
Try zwarteschijf_holland. I have purchased phonograph items from this ebayer with excellent results. Good Luck. Hope you find the correct strap.
Regards

[coyote]

"HMV portable handle" will bring them up on eBay. Or strap with two p's.

[epigramophone]

I have a Telefuken portable which looks much like the HMV portables from the late 20's or 30's. It was missing the handle which I replaced with one of those replacement luggage types but that interferes with the crank. I was wondering if anyone knew of a new replacement for those thin straps I see on them on ebay. Not sure how they work since the look pretty well flat against the machine when not in use?

Larry

This style of carrying handle was known as the "Pakawa", and as you have pointed out, it lies flat against the case when not in use.

The reason for this is that it is spring loaded. Each metal end cap contains a small piece of spring steel, allowing the handle to pull upwards when carrying the machine and to return to the flush position afterwards.

To fit one of the replica handles offered on eBay, you need to have the original end caps with their springs. Care needs to be taken to locate the springs the correct way up, otherwise the spring loading will not work.

[larryh]

I am adding a photo of the replacement an the attaching point. I don't know if this is the way the HMV is set up or something different? Not sure of the spacing either The two points where the metal is held to the cabinet measures about 5" apart.. Does that sound like the same as the HMV? I know from some photos I have seen that my arm and case are nearly the same on the Telefunken as the HMV so I am hoping the connection and distance are right..

The postage and price are reasonable it would seem..

Larry

[larryh]

You put up your message about the springs as I was adding the photo.. I don't see any spring to the ends so Perhaps Telefunken used a different handle attachment or maybe these just no longer have it?

Larry

[epigramophone]

Here is an eBay replacement "Pakawa" handle fitted to one of my HMV102's.

As you can see, the securing ends are completely different to your machine. I suspect Telefunken sourced their handle in Germany, as it is not even the same as the earlier HMV design.

[larryh]

Thanks for that shot of the HMV. I wondered if they were anything a like.. Oddly some of the HMV cabinets use the same arm and apparent reproducer as well as record holder and top pattern on the outside lid. It would be interesting to know how they are related.

Larry