Unusual HMV Sound box ?????????

[poodling around]

Is this a genuine HMV sound box ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/His-Masters- ... C&LH_All=1

[JerryVan]

Looks like a cheap knock-off to my eye.

[mattrx]

It looks like the later cheaper ones such as the one found the on the HMV Model 88 portable. Not identical, but very similar. Could be a knock off, or a damaged original of similar vintage.

Below is a pic of the one on my rather ratty 88.

Matt

[mattrx]

I also have this similar one that needs restoration. Again, similar but not identical. The one you posted looks more crudely made. My vote is knock off.

Matt

[poodling around]

Very interesting and appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

[Dulcetto]

You need to learn up on types of machine screw in use over the years. The OP picture shows non- matching pan - headed alloy screws of fairly recent manufacture holding the front mask in place -- those type of screws were not in use 75 and more years ago. Authentic sound-boxes normally used round - head ( also known as raised - head in USA ) steel screws that were usually but not always ,plated to match , either nickel or chromium . OK , screws can be replaced , but there are other tell -tale signs that should tell you that this is an obvious poor quality copy of the genuine article.
Dulcetto

[JerryVan]

You need to learn up on types of machine screw in use over the years. The OP picture shows non- matching pan - headed alloy screws of fairly recent manufacture holding the front mask in place -- those type of screws were not in use 75 and more years ago. Authentic sound-boxes normally used round - head ( also known as raised - head in USA ) steel screws that were usually but not always ,plated to match , either nickel or chromium . OK , screws can be replaced , but there are other tell -tale signs that should tell you that this is an obvious poor quality copy of the genuine article.
Dulcetto

An excellent observation, and largely what I based my comment on. Also, the crude forming of the cover piece, with rough, hand file marks.

[Curt A]

The real telling part of this reproducer is the reverse image on the center medallion, indicating that it was pressed or cast from a positive image. Matt's has a positive image of Nipper, while the repro has a reversed image as seen in the below pics.

[Henry]

Matt's has a positive image of Nipper, while the repro has a reversed image as seen in the below pics.

I'm not seeing any reversed images. Nipper on right, horn on left. What am I missing?

[Curt A]

Not reversed as in "direction", reversed as in positive or negative images... The repro image is "indented or embossed" (negative), while the original is a raised image (positive).