The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The description said it was from Scotland, and I haven't seen anything like it before. Does anyone have any info?

It is the credenza equivalent, the hmv 163. One of the best sounding models.

It's a 163, which was the smallest of the "re-entrant" models. Made between 1927 and 1932, it cost £30 initially, reduced to £27.10.00 in 1930. In oak, sales were 10,571 by February 1931. Information taken from the book "His Masters' Gramophone"

Teak wrote:It is the credenza equivalent, the hmv 163. One of the best sounding models.

I concur. In fact, I believe it outperforms the Credenza, and I own several Credenzas and an HMV 163. Despite the 163's small size, its horn is about the same sixe as that in the Credenza, since the 163's horn occupies the entire area behind the doors. No record storage in these machines.

Since the horn is made of terne plate, the 163 packs a punch, and has a brilliant midrange. Although I like my Credenzas, they are no match for a re-entant with metal horn.

It looks a wee bit abused but could be rehabilitated assuming all the parts are still there.

The 163 is popular in the UK for it's good sound quality and relatively compact dimensions. It does not dominate a room.

This looks a nice honest machine. Not sure what has happened to the lid stay... maybe it's torn or damaged the wood on the inside of the lid? The wood looks dry but I think with a clean it will soak up a good wax polish and gleam.

As I was probably responsible, many years ago, for the myth that re-entrant horns are made of terne plate (i.e. steel plated with lead), may I take this opportunity of correcting that? The material is zinc, as I knew by the time I wrote His Master's Gramophone!

Here are two pics showing the back and front of the metal horn of an H.M.V. machine.