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Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:23 am
by poodling around
gramophoneshane wrote: Tue Jan 26, 2021 7:30 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly, the first of the Decca Trench models also had a round speed control, rather than the common Paillard open face shield shaped speed control.
If you are correct then your information is very useful indeed to me.
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:26 am
by poodling around
I notice that they were sold in 'Solid Cowhide'.
I guess the 'Solid' part refers to the use of solid wood underneath the 'Cowhide' ?
What is 'Cowhide' though - is that just another name for real leather ?
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 9:59 am
by soundgen
Yes but much thicker aka cardboard re paper
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:02 am
by soundgen
Over the last 40 years i have owned / sold 100s of Decca " Trench " gramophones , the earliest I have ever found was dated 1919 , never had one from 1914 to 1918 they must be like Hen's teeth !
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:12 am
by poodling around
soundgen wrote: Wed Jan 27, 2021 9:59 am
Yes but much thicker aka cardboard re paper
Aha, I see ! Thank you soundgen - another useful fact for me to store away.
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:18 am
by poodling around
soundgen wrote: Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:02 am
Over the last 40 years i have owned / sold 100s of Decca " Trench " gramophones , the earliest I have ever found was dated 1919 , never had one from 1914 to 1918 they must be like Hen's teeth !
If they have copper 'lid reflectors', two chains, a round speed control, the handle is attached to the lid and different closing 'catches' then I see what you mean. At least I am far more knowledgeable now and know what to look for.
Oh, I think I have finally found one !
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Decca-Portab ... Sw2nNgDUa1
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 11:37 am
by soundgen
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 12:36 pm
by poodling around
The first one 'above' from me seems to tick all of my newly found tick boxes and yet yours seems to have a verifiable serial number. Hmmmmm .........
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:07 am
by soundgen
Actually made in 1923 ! the seller posted the label for me !
Re: World War 1 Decca 'Trench' Portable Does it actually exist ?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:28 am
by gramophoneshane
That certainly appears to be an early one to me.
Something I notice that I hadn't noticed before is the Decca name is embossed on the tonearm rather than in the bowl where it's normally seen.
I guess that's one more thing that must indicate an early example.
I'd be interested to know what brand motor was in this one.
I seem to recall seeing or reading somewhere that the earliest trench models used a motor by Thorens rather than Paillard, which might explain the round speed control and brake.