The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So came across this online. In my opinion its definitely from the sub-continent. And at first glance I thought it was someone's homemade project! But the more I looked at it...it looks genuine to an extent (the front panel is obviously from another machine), though bizarre. If I had to guess would say its a local Indian rip-off on the HMV 113, but with added curves.Its also extremely heavy as its got carrying handles on both sides.

I haven't come across something like this before so any information on the model, the shape etc from the experts here would be most educational.

In any case its online and in the UK and if you're interested let me know and will share the seller direct contact details with you.

The black banding and dark finish are typically Indian, but I don't recognise the machine or it's components. A closeup of the lid transfer might aid identification.

Looks strange... particularly the front door, to me it should have the stripes that are on the top to make it more harmonic. The box looks too good for an amateur job, but it could have been repurposed from a radio or something similar. Certainly an odd-looking machine, could be genuine, apart from soundbox and winder. Any specialist in Indian machines in the house?

The crank escutcheon, tonearm, auto brake definitely look to be HMV. Sound box is Thorens. looks like there's a bracket on back panel to hold the crank. Yeah, this curvy lady wants to be carried around. I'm trying to figure out what the bracket is under the front brake lever. And I guess there's a couple missing veneer pieces on the sides of the grill?

The winding handle escutcheon might be HMV, but the handle itself appears to have been bent out of shape to clear the carrying handle, and the end grip is unlike any HMV that I have ever seen.
The tonearm bears some resemblance to the HMV narrow bore design, but it's motor board mounting is entirely different. See picture.
I do not think that the turntable, speed control or brake are by HMV.

The reproducer, speed control and front brake seem to match this "Pal" portable I used to have, which had a great single-spring Thorens motor, and sounded quite good for what it was.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)