The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi
I found a "HMV pigmy grand" to buy but i don't know real worth of it.
How much does it worth Pigmy grand in excellent condition ?

Can't help you with that model, but I always feel that the value is how much I want something and am willing to pay. when I saw "my" Victor IV I knew I had to have it, I could afford it - so it was worth it. No regrets.

Dzien Dobri,

It depends on which model, straight or curved sides, German or British, which logo, which wood, correct reproducer. Also condition plays a big role. Excellent original or excellent restored?

A picture is worth a thousand words!

"Pigmy Grand"? Is that like "Jumbo Shrimp"?

Well, if you found it "to buy" it must come with a price. What is it?

The single spring Pigmy Grand was available in either mahogany or satinwood (beech?) and has the square cabinet with straight moldings. A complete original example in excellent condition could be anything up to GBP 350-400 depending on condition, more if it has the rare travelling case with it. These are not common machines by any standards.

The double spring variant has the serpentine shape cabinet and 12" turntable, larger cabinet etc, but as far as I know was only ever available in oak? Certainly my example is oak (my single spring version is mahogany). Until about 5 years ago no one had ever seen a double spring version or at least if they had they kept it very quiet. They were often thought to be a rumoured machine and part of gramophone folk-lore that never actually existed and looking for one was rather like searching for the Lochness Monster. Then, THREE appeared on eBay in as many weeks, hence how I got one!

None have been spotted since! I wouldn't speculate on their "value" as to quote Fabrizio & Paul these must surely qualify as "VR" material.

VR, what does that mean? Victoria Regina?

Obviously you've never seen a Fabrizio & Paul book on this subject? VR is a "value code" abbreviation for "very rare" ie. not enough examples have appeared and been sold on the open market to be able to advise on value.

Hi
German golden oak version refinished.
its a straight corner single spring.
reproducer is correct

Pictures?

Does the refinishing mean it has been finished with the correct materials or has it been sealed with modern varnish? What does it look like? Most critically, has it still got the original decals?

German or British version makes absolutely no difference to value.

I dont have a photo.
Its only new shellack and gold decal grammophon. Motor runs strong