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As an enthusiastic collector (hoarder, maybe?) of thorn needles, I was very excited to stumble upon this little gem. I would say I'm moderately familiar with the HMV accessory line, but I've never seen one of these. It's in superb condition, and even came with a packet of "miniature" thorn needles intended for lightweight pickups, another first for me. Just how common are these?

This is really neat! I've not seen one of these designs. I'll have to keep a sharp eye out for one myself! I'm sold on thorn needles. Thanks for posting the pictures.
Bob

Well done---a good buy and a very useful sharpener. They come up in the UK on eBay probably about once or twice a year in varying condition but the box is not so common.

I have one of these with its box and instructions. I'd tend to agree with Graham; I've seen a few of these here and there and particularly on eBay but they rarely seem to have boxes with them. It's a great find.

I believe these date from the 1930's but I'm not sure how long they were made for?

Thirded! That's a lovely example. Even the rubber looks good!

The HMV Miniature Thorn Needles and Sharpeners were announced in 1939 but not released on the British market until 1948. The needles were sold in packets of 10 for 2/0d (10p) and the sharpener for 7/6d (37p). They were last listed in the 1956/57 edition of the General Record Catalogue.

epigramophone wrote:The HMV Miniature Thorn Needles and Sharpeners were announced in 1939 but not released on the British market until 1948. The needles were sold in packets of 10 for 2/0d (10p) and the sharpener for 7/6d (37p). They were last listed in the 1956/57 edition of the General Record Catalogue.

I was going to suggest later 1940s, but I'd wanted to consult my HMV catalogs first since I knew I'd seen ads for them. The print on the box matches the print on the front of the 1956 HMV record catalog almost exactly.

I also want one, but I guess my Peter Gray and Red Tops will have to do!

Sean

epigramophone wrote:The HMV Miniature Thorn Needles and Sharpeners were announced in 1939 but not released on the British market until 1948. The needles were sold in packets of 10 for 2/0d (10p) and the sharpener for 7/6d (37p). They were last listed in the 1956/57 edition of the General Record Catalogue.

Interesting, I assumed 30s as well, but this is much later than I thought. The font on the needle packet does look rather 50s. Though not pictured, it even came with an extra unused abrasive pad. I already have the Decca and Kacti sharpeners, so I'm happy to add this one to my collection as well.

Thanks for the info!

I may have made a mistake regarding this HMV sharpener as I have looked at a couple I have here and they are both badged Columbia but identical in every other respect. Actual HMV items may be rarer ? I have attached photos including the instruction leaflet. Both types of thorn needles are catered for but everything needs to be in good order for satisfactory sharpening in my experience. The HMV looks virtually unused.

The number on this box is 36791 compared with the HMV item's 36790 if this tells us anything ?

Click on the image to enlarge.

How interesting! These must have been manufactured by a 3rd party supplier and branded accordingly. I wonder what other brands are out there? I haven't tried mine yet, but the hole in the chuck looked awfully small and I was worried that normal thorn needles wouldn't fit.