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A poster asked about this Frankenphone on Phonoland, which he identified as an HMV 8 -- https://www.phonoland.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8391
My first impression was that the cabinet was a total fake, or that someone had plastered applique all over a conventional cabinet. (Never mind the retrofitted 1950s turntable.)

On second look, it seems to be hand carved--at least the lid. It's hard to tell with the brown paint coating, and grainy photo.

Did the Gramophone Co. produce any "fancy cabinet" versions of their table models?

OF

If there is an HMV lurking underneath all that applied ornament, the rounded corners suggest a Model IX not an VIII. There was a de luxe version known as the IXa, but this was just the standard mahogany case with additional boxwood stringing inlay.

epigramophone wrote:If there is an HMV lurking underneath all that applied ornament, the rounded corners suggest a Model IX not an VIII. There was a de luxe version known as the IXa, but this was just the standard mahogany case with additional boxwood stringing inlay.

Many thanks. I spotted another "creation," today -- https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 2f001f6066
It's "unique" if nothing else....

OF

OrthoFan wrote:

epigramophone wrote:If there is an HMV lurking underneath all that applied ornament, the rounded corners suggest a Model IX not an VIII. There was a de luxe version known as the IXa, but this was just the standard mahogany case with additional boxwood stringing inlay.

Many thanks. I spotted another "creation," today -- https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 2f001f6066

Capture.JPG

It's "unique" if nothing else....

OF

That reminds me of a similar machine shown on YT - a customized presentation piece from NZ, as this also seems to be.

Bill

I like the second one, the first looks like cast composition.

estott wrote:I like the second one, the first looks like cast composition.

Syroco. That's what they called the popular molded wood pulp decorative mouldings, figures and decorations.
Whether that's what the phonograph is, rather than carved wood I cannot say. But it sure looks molded.

http://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/s/syroco.htm

O ye of little faith

I reckon the case is probably original ! Victor certainly had a bespoke cabinet section and would make a Victrola to fit into and match your existing furniture scheme , and probably HMV The Gramophone Company did as well , I have seen original HMV cabinets with finishes which do not appear in their catalogues but are 100% genuine .

For the wealthy customer, Victrolas were also available in a variety of custom designs, with hand painted images, exotic wood, and Japanese lacquer finishes. This machines were produced in low quantities, and are highly desirable today.

http://www.victor-victrola.com/XI.htm

soundgen wrote:O ye of little faith

I reckon the case is probably original ! Victor certainly had a bespoke cabinet section and would make a Victrola to fit into and match your existing furniture scheme , and probably HMV The Gramophone Company did as well , I have seen original HMV cabinets with finishes which do not appear in their catalogues but are 100% genuine .

I agree completely. This looks like a special order HMV case. It's very well done and not some hokey applique sort of thing. Especially the carved top. This is well worth looking into if it's for sale.

Lucius1958 wrote:That reminds me of a similar machine shown on YT - a customized presentation piece from NZ, as this also seems to be.
Bill

Hi Bill:

Many thanks for the tip. I searched Youtube for HMV Gramophone New Zealand, and spotted the video. It's a model 109.

On first impression, and solely based on the rather ugly photo posted on the auction site, I thought "Ish!" (I'm originally from Minnesota, and we always said "Ish!" instead of "Yuck!") But, looking at the video, I can see that it's quite handsome and ornate, and obviously a LOT of skill went into it by a master carver. I wouldn't mind having one.

As for the mystery model at the top, I wish the OP on Phonoland would post a few more (higher quality) photos, but it's possible it isn't even in his possession, but one he saw in a shop or wherever.

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I'm tending to agree that it does look like a custom or special order job. It's been suggested to me that the side panels might be embossed or stamped tin overlay, but I don't think so. The lid looks carved to me.

OF