Information Needed On hmv no.16 soundbox

[12jslater]

Is it Pot Metal or Brass Backed ?

And does it share the same diaphragm as the hmv no5 ?

[Phono48]

Not sure what the back is made of, except that it definitely not pot metal. As you probably know, the No.16 is not servicable, the front is swaged on to the back, and can only be taken apart by brute force. I had a damaged one some time ago, so I forced it open, just for curiosity. If the back had been pot metal, it would has surely broken with the force I had to apply to get the front off! However I can say that the diaphragm is the same as the 5A. The No.16 is louder and shriller than the 5a and 5b, but is a lot lighter. Hope this helps.

Barry