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Phono48 wrote:

SteveM wrote: it also has a cover for the winding hole, and an unusual handle design, whereby the screws are not visible.

If you mean the carrying handle, I've never come across a 102 that had visible screws, the ends had prongs which went through the case, and were bent over.

Yes, and those prongs are a swine to deal with when fitting a new carrying handle. Removing the end fittings usually leaves the prongs looking rather bent, so I flatten them in a vice which makes it easier to pass them back through the slots in the case. Then it's a matter of brute force to bend them over again.

I do the same, then push the prongs through, bend them just a little in the right direction, then use a G cramp, with a bit of stout cardboard between the outer jaw and the handle end, then wind the cramp in very slowly, which flattens the prongs against the case perfectly. I've found in the past that if you try to bend them with pliers, the prong with the hole it tends to snap.

Phono48 wrote:

SteveM wrote: it also has a cover for the winding hole, and an unusual handle design, whereby the screws are not visible.

If you mean the carrying handle, I've never come across a 102 that had visible screws, the ends had prongs which went through the case, and were bent over.

Hmmm, my other two 1945 102s have screws visible, as seen here ...



But I'll heed the tips about the handle on my MOS model, because it desperately needs replacing. I've already re-sewn the leather, but it's almost totally disintegrated. The machine gets lots of use, on the road quite a bit, and I'd love to treat it to a brand new carry handle.

During and after the second World War, there were quite a few modifications made, due to metal being in short supply. It could be that the usual "Pakawa" handles were not available, and those with visible screws were used temporarily. According to the "His Master's Gramophone" book, HMV did inform dealers that there may be differences in fittings.

SteveM wrote:

Phono48 wrote:

SteveM wrote: it also has a cover for the winding hole, and an unusual handle design, whereby the screws are not visible.

If you mean the carrying handle, I've never come across a 102 that had visible screws, the ends had prongs which went through the case, and were bent over.

Hmmm, my other two 1945 102s have screws visible, as seen here ...



But I'll heed the tips about the handle on my MOS model, because it desperately needs replacing. I've already re-sewn the leather, but it's almost totally disintegrated. The machine gets lots of use, on the road quite a bit, and I'd love to treat it to a brand new carry handle.

New carrying handles in leather are obtainable at reasonable prices from www.zwarteschijf.nl or via the seller's UK eBay shop.

Roger.

Steve, here's a domestic source, one of several I hit when I googled "leather carrying handles": http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/h ... andles.htm

Henry wrote:Steve, here's a domestic source, one of several I hit when I googled "leather carrying handles": http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/h ... andles.htm

With respect, these don't have the spring steel strip through the centre, which makes the handle automatically straighten when released. I always use the ones Steve has recommended, they are reasonably priced, and the seller always posts immediately.

Phono48 wrote:

Henry wrote:Steve, here's a domestic source, one of several I hit when I googled "leather carrying handles": http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/h ... andles.htm

With respect, these don't have the spring steel strip through the centre, which makes the handle automatically straighten when released. I always use the ones Steve has recommended, they are reasonably priced, and the seller always posts immediately.

Thanks! Just ordered from the NL seller. Thanks to you Henry too, I appreciate all the info. And sorry to derail this "motor" thread.