HMV Summer Model
Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 5:23 pm
A new acquisition!
To begin with, I thought someone had hacked an early cabinet model in half, since I had never seen a table model with a simple flat lid. But this machine, though grubby and generally tired, isn't a frankenphone - it is much as it left the factory - an oak machine with a 10 inch platter, and that seemingly excessive number of louvres. It came with an American-made GCL Exhibition soundbox.
There's an article, in German, which identifies it as a "Summer Model" code T.A.O here http://grammophon-platten.de/e107_plugi ... .php?36193 and an illustration of one sold in Norway here http://www.grammofonmuseum.no/Grammofon ... mmer_1.htm
By design, the soundbox isn't in line with the arm, and that seems to have necessitated the small bracket mounted on the arm.
The metal plaque on the front of this specimen identifies it as having been retailed in Birmingham.
Unlike the examples in the two links, there's absolutely no gleam or sheen on the woodwork, inside or out, and I'm wondering if it was finished differently.
Tomorrow I shall take out the motor board. From the weight of the machine, I am not expecting a cast iron throat, but a simple wooden horn, made up of internal baffles.
To begin with, I thought someone had hacked an early cabinet model in half, since I had never seen a table model with a simple flat lid. But this machine, though grubby and generally tired, isn't a frankenphone - it is much as it left the factory - an oak machine with a 10 inch platter, and that seemingly excessive number of louvres. It came with an American-made GCL Exhibition soundbox.
There's an article, in German, which identifies it as a "Summer Model" code T.A.O here http://grammophon-platten.de/e107_plugi ... .php?36193 and an illustration of one sold in Norway here http://www.grammofonmuseum.no/Grammofon ... mmer_1.htm
By design, the soundbox isn't in line with the arm, and that seems to have necessitated the small bracket mounted on the arm.
The metal plaque on the front of this specimen identifies it as having been retailed in Birmingham.
Unlike the examples in the two links, there's absolutely no gleam or sheen on the woodwork, inside or out, and I'm wondering if it was finished differently.
Tomorrow I shall take out the motor board. From the weight of the machine, I am not expecting a cast iron throat, but a simple wooden horn, made up of internal baffles.