The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930s-Vintage-P ... 2516.l5255

Bid now... $2,299.99 or more... FREE SHIPPING

I bought mine for £75 from a well known dealer at an antiques fair all of 40 miles from home.

These Russian portables turn up regularly in the UK and are clearly based on the ubiquitous HMV Model 102, but close inspection with a tape measure reveals that almost every dimension is different. It will surprise no-one to learn that there are also considerable differences in the quality of construction.

epigramophone wrote:I bought mine for £75 from a well known dealer at an antiques fair all of 40 miles from home.

These Russian portables turn up regularly in the UK and are clearly based on the ubiquitous HMV Model 102, but close inspection with a tape measure reveals that almost every dimension is different. It will surprise no-one to learn that there are also considerable differences in the quality of construction.

There was at least one company set up to market odds and ends from the former Soviet Union, including portable phonographs. They sold them both working and non-working.

epigramophone wrote: It will surprise no-one to learn that there are also considerable differences in the quality of construction.

Very true, but I have to say the soundboxes are superb, (on this model, at least).

Barry

Phono48 wrote:

epigramophone wrote: It will surprise no-one to learn that there are also considerable differences in the quality of construction.

Very true, but I have to say the soundboxes are superb, (on this model, at least).

Barry

I have two of these soundboxes and yes, they are quite an interesting design. Obvious copy of the HMV 5A/B, but the back is made of bakelite and the whole reproducer is very light-weight. (Still heavy enough to track a record) I believe the metal part of the body is pot metal, as there was some cracking on mine. The flanges are still soft, and they almost look new! 3 large ball bearings in each side.

AND these particular soundboxes fit HMV and Victor Orthophonic tonearms! I have one on my Victor Colony because finding an original brass OSB for it seemed a tad expensive They play quite well.