The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all. Newbie here, just bought a fully working 156 at auction. Done a little research before and after but cant seem to find much at all about that model. Any points in the right direction would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Info on the forum about 156 here http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=7717

Welcome to the forum!

An HMV is a British-made phonograph of incredible quality. You did well.

Make sure you have what needs rebuilt, rebuilt. They might be in full working order when found, but it won't be to factory specs unless someone has recently done service on the reproducer, the tone arm, and the motor. Like a car, they need oil changes! (But it's every thirty years or so, so don't worry.) Also, the needles only last for one side, then throw it away and put in a brand-new one. It might have come with needles, but I would not use them on my records. Just toss them and buy a few packs of the ones on eBay or from our own Forum members. (I'm sure the ones who make quality needles will chime in if you ask... Nothing like fresh steel or thorn needles to get the best sound from an old 78.)

And also welcome to the phonograph hobby!

Can we have some pictures of your new prize? In the USA we don't often get to see HMV phonographs because, well, they're heavy and England is a long ways off.

Thanks all. You're not allowed to say guys these days are ya

I did see that post on the 156 but I'm looking to find out the exact year it was produced if that's possible. All info just seems "vague" like there's not much info out there. I'm just a stickler for detail so I can put in a time frame and historical place plus a possible reference to how it got here based on where it was manufactured etc.

I'll send over some pics, VanEpsFan1914 thanks for the words. As you say USA is a distance away. This particular machine is in the Isle of Man so itself would have been imported back in the day from the UK.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man

An HMV 156 is going to have a No. 4 soundbox and be the size & shape of a Victrola Consolette (USA phonograph.) It should date around 1925-1927ish.

Did you get a mahogany cabinet?

Its not Mahogany, well I don't think so. I'll send over a few pics and you decide.

Ruralsisisi wrote:Thanks all. You're not allowed to say guys these days are ya

I did see that post on the 156 but I'm looking to find out the exact year it was produced if that's possible. All info just seems "vague" like there's not much info out there. I'm just a stickler for detail so I can put in a time frame and historical place plus a possible reference to how it got here based on where it was manufactured etc.

I'll send over some pics, VanEpsFan1914 thanks for the words. As you say USA is a distance away. This particular machine is in the Isle of Man so itself would have been imported back in the day from the UK.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man

It is unlikely that you will be able to discover the exact date of the machine, but if the Ivorine serial number plate is still present beneath the used needle bin it might serve as a guide.

According to "His Master's Gramophone" which is the definitive book on HMV machines, the 156 was introduced in September 1926 and discontinued in December 1928. The sales figures were 5,246 in oak (original cost £20) and 4,531 in mahogany (original cost £23).

P.S. This thread belongs under "British and European Machines".