Decca portable phonograph

[cheryla]

When did they start making the suitcase Deccas? I'm not finding history on them, and I have one now to "be restored" and the family claims it's what great-grandfather brought over from Sicily in 1923.

[epigramophone]

The Decca was introduced in 1914. It was one of the first true portables, and many were sent to the Western Front to entertain the troops, which is why this model is often known as the "Trench" Decca. The design was so successful that it remained in production with little modification well into the 1920's, and most surviving examples date from that era. There may be a paper label beneath the turntable showing the date of manufacture.

The CLPGS publishes a 25 page booklet, Reference Series No.35, on Decca portables. Go to http://www.clpgs.org.uk and click on the Book Shop, Reference Series.