The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi ,
What is the story behind these cardboard needle boxes currently on Ebay ? I have not come across them before. Were they made during the war to save metal ? Why do they need to say they are "Special" and are suitable for 10 and 12 inch records ?
Any info gratefully received ?

I've never seen this before... only cardboard boxes that were not in full color. I wish we had a section devoted to needle tins, etc.

You are probably right about being made during one of the two major wars, most likely WWI to preserve metal...

I cannot find this box in "The Collectors Guide to HMV Nipper Souvenirs" which is the main reference work on these items, but as the authors point out, the book can only hope to include examples of all KNOWN items. As the box appears to have some age I think it is a genuine example of "one that got away".

It would be interesting to have the link to the eBay listing.

I saw this on eBay and was infact the under bidder. I wondered if it was quite early as it doesn't mention a 'tone' rather like the early tins. Also the fact it needs to state that it is for 10 'and' 12 inch records might suggest reassurance to a public that was only just becoming familiar with 12 inch records. Having said all that it doesn't appear to say 'gramophone and typewriter' as you would expect if that were true...

Just curious... what did this end up going for on eBay?

Hi, The seller had two, one was a buy it now for £9.99 and then I assume someone tipped him off that it was too cheap as the second one went to auction and fetched just over £16.

Gramtastic wrote:Hi, The seller had two, one was a buy it now for £9.99 and then I assume someone tipped him off that it was too cheap as the second one went to auction and fetched just over £16.

Still a good buy... I would have bought both...

Can't believe no one knows anything about these ?

The only possible clue that I have come up with is that a number of Japanese made needle tins indicate that the needles are "Special Made"...

This dealer from Australia seems to specialize in them:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/heritage-tradin ... 7675.l2562

I suspect they are quite modern probably made in India , they look like lots of Indian boxes in the way they are made and the Gramophone Company would never have covered their name when applying the seal , I think I have some soundbox boxes somewhere which are made in the same way , I'll try and find one and post some pictures of it