The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I would not regard the No.16 soundbox as an advantage or a reason to justify a higher asking price, even assuming that it is original to the machine. If anything goes wrong it cannot be dismantled for repair, which is why many early HMV102's have been retrospectively fitted with a No.5A or 5B soundbox.

That 102 is missing the record tray, but anyway, $150 seems a bargain. Lately the coloured 102s are much more expensive. It's a good price for an eternal machine that plays very well. If you have problems with the soundbox, and you're patient, you could get a 5A/B for $35-50...

Epigramophone: Thank you for your opinions on the HMV with soundbox no 16, it is appreciated.
I am still waiting for response and more photos of the horn gramophone that caused the start of this thread....
Inigo: Thank you also, for your valuable opinions...

You'll never have problems with a102, it's very easy to maintain, and there are spare parts still everywhere on the web. They were made until 1962 or so in the uk... and in India still further!