The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a green HMV101,which I have had for many years with a #4 soundbox. The original potmetal back was broken so I must have replaced it with a brass back. Not too good case but plays well. I have attached a photo of the disc under the turntable. Can anyone give me an idea of date for this one.
I also have a red #97c for parts. Does anyone require anything in particular. Let me know.
Zapper

According to Dave Cooper's book "The Perfect Portable Gramophone", the green 101 was introduced in January 1929 and was produced until the 102 replaced it during 1931.

I believe the date code was introduced in 1936 as B/1, so the code on your red 97c portable, B/3 indicates it was manufactured in 1938.

The circular ivorine disc without the border appeared some time in 1930 according to His Masters Gramophone book. the B code began in 1936. B=1936, B/1=1937 etc.

GramophoneSmith wrote:The circular ivorine disc without the border appeared some time in 1930 according to His Masters Gramophone book. the B code began in 1936. B=1936, B/1=1937 etc.

My apologies. I thought B/1 was 1936 so I must have been dating all my portables wrong.

So do machines from 1936 actually just have a "B" or are they marked B/0?

Bump

Just a B. So the top example is 1939.

Why B though…. Why not just A as it’s the first letter of the alphabet?!?

I'm a year too late probably but I need a winding handle for a 97 (94).

PM me please if you can help.

Thanks

Steve

The 'B' is the factory code for acoustic gramophones.

What would be the 'A' code, if it ever existed?
((when I read the subject title, help with hmv gramophones, and related to that other thread about psychological help for antique hoarders like us, I'm tempted to answer :
HELP! I LIKE'EM TOO. MUCH!!!))