The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is this a genuine HMV sound box ?

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

Looks like a cheap knock-off to my eye.

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

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

Very interesting and appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

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

Dulcetto wrote: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.

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.

Curt A wrote: 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?

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).