The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Since we in the last thread also look at reproducers/soundboxes, why not continue. I found this soundbox for sale on Ebay right now. I am not about to put a bid on it, since I don't really need it, but it still could be interesting to identify it. In particular also because there is a trademark on the soundbox, that is unknown to me. There is always something to learn, and knowledge is always welcome, so the question is quite simple, does anyone recognize the soundbox, or the trademark (Melodia Electric)?

That looks like an HMV/ Victrola No. 4 clone, likely from an Eastern European manufacturer or possibly the Soviet Union but made for Western Europe as not Cyrillic. Think "Melodiya" (as it is sometimes spelled) which was the Soviet state record company- either that or it's unrelated, but I don't think so.

I believe this is by the German Homophon/Homophone Company. They used the Homocord/Homochord name aswell as Melodia Electric and Homocord Electro.

Actually, this container go along with it, I thought the box was unrelated, because of the different name on it, but I understand now it most probably belong to the soundbox. I guess you nailed it Jamie? But what about the different trademark logos, any explanation, guesses....? Is it only me, or is there a "F" inside the "Melodia Electric" soundbox logo? This company is all new to me, as most else outside the HMV/Columbia arena.

I was able to find some photos of a Homocord reproducer. ( More photos added after Jamie's comment in the next post)

It's true the box may not belong but the Homocord Electro soundbox looks very similar to the Melodia Electric soundbox.

nostalgia wrote:Actually, this container go along with it, I thought the box was unrelated, because of the different name on it, but I understand now it most probably belong to the soundbox. I guess you nailed it Jamie? But what about the different trademark logos, any explanation, guesses....? Is it only me, or is there a "F" inside the "Melodia Electric" soundbox logo? This company is all new to me, as most else outside the HMV/Columbia arena.

Originally named Homokord, this company operated under the Homocord name from 1924 to 1932, when it was taken over by the Lindstrom Group.
"Electro" was added to the name when Homocord began recording electrically in early 1926.

Melodia gramophones NZ advert I like the typo Parlorphone or perhaps someone has a label !

Melodia

of 99 Highbury Quadrant, London, N5

1922 Listed Exhibitor. Manufacturers of Quality Gramophones and Accessories, including the Ultone Sound Box, the Ultone Ball-bearing Arm, the Ultolite, the Ultostop, the Minster Sound Box, etc. (Stand No. B.17)

Cracking article on USA manufacturers including but with no details

236. Melodia – Melodia Phonograph Company, 400 North Sangamon Street, Chicago, Illinois. February 1920 TMW

https://www.antiquephono.org/brand-talk ... j-wakeman/