Featured Phonograph № 45

[phonophan79]

Make: Deutsche Grammophon / HMV
Model: GRAMOLA / Model 103
Serial #: not sure
Year(s) Made: pre-1925
Original Cost: not sure
Case/Cabinet Size: 14" x 11" x 6"
Turntable/Mandrel: 10"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: "POLYDOR ALUM"
Motor: single-spring
Horn Dimensions: 6" x 4.5 "
Reproduction Parts: n/a
Current Value: n/a
Interesting Facts: Gramola was the trademark of Deutsche Grammophon for Austria. HMV lost their trademarks for Germany and Austria during WWI, hence His Master's Voice and the Dog is actually a German trademark in those two countries. By 1922 it was decided to create two or more subsidiaries wholly owned by the Gramophone Company of London. The German company, named Electrola, was established in Berlin in 1925 and would compete in Germany with DGG. A second company named Gramola was established in Austria and the newly established country of Czechoslovakia, with branch offices in Vienna and Prague, respectively. A pressing plant was established in 1926 in Aussig, or Usti nad Leben, a small town north of Prague, where Supraphon LP discs are still pressed today. Neither company could issue DOG labels so new styles had to be developed. EMI bought/ wrested the trademarks back after WWII.

Favorite Characteristics: Great little machine, with a nice sound. Love the whole, German machine made for sale in Austria angle. The label on the machine itself reads "DIE STIMME SEINES HERRN". I don't mind the color scheme either.

[phonophan79]

Hey Guys - let me know if I got any of my facts wrong, not 100% sure.

Here is a video of this machine in action, playing a "Grammophon" brand issue of Enrico Caruso singing Leoncavallo - "Lasciati amar".

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MikOP8san0k[/youtube]

[OrthoFan]

Very Nice!

Is the horn the type that wraps around the motor and comes out the back, as was the case with the HMV 101/102, or a recessed well, such as the type used on less expensive models? I can't quite tell from the photo.

Also, do you know if the diaphragm is original? It's very similar to those sold on this page -- Replacement Aluminum Diaphragms

[gramophoneshane]

It should have the same horn as the HMV 101, & yes, the diaphragm is the original Polydor diaphragm.

It's a nice portable! The only thing I can see wrong with the info above is that this would be a post-1925 machine...probably from around 1927-30

[phonophan79]

I made a new video of this machine since the old one was not in HD. Enjoy!

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_PdMJPBrAc[/youtubehd]

[estott]

I've got a mid 20's Gramola record- it's actually an HMV disc with a pasted over half label on the upper part.

[Swing Band Heaven]

Great machine Dean. Your HD you tube video certainly shows it off well. It playes very nicely.
S-B-H

[Andersun]

Thanks for posting your machine! I keep forgetting about the "featured phonograph" and I think we could all feature more of our stuff. I don't know much (anything) about portables and this was helpful!