My Favorite Machine - The HMV 102 Portable!

[transformingArt]

* Note: I actually tried to write this as a "Featured Phonograph", but since there might be so many people at here who would laugh at me for introducing a PORTABLE, I decided that I'll write down about this as a independent post. To be honest, I'm not a Machine person, but a Record person, so I hope you'll understand.


Maker: His Master's Voice (later EMI)
Model: Portable Model 102
Serial # : 102079724
Year(s) Made: 1931 ~ 1960 (This One dates from c.1933)
Original Cost: 5 Pounds and 12 Shillings
Case/Cabinet Size: 16.625 x 6.5 x 11.25 Inches (Closed)
Turntable/Mandrel: 10 Inch
Reproducer/Sound-Box: HMV No.5A/5B
Motor: Single-Spring
Reproduction Parts: None
Current Value: $ 50 ~ 2000 (I saw a Japanese dealer sells one of the 1950s Models for this outrageous price!)


This Portable originally belonged to Professor Frederick A. Ficken (1910 ~ 1978), a Mathematician who taught at Princeton. He bought this around June 1933 in Liverpool, while he was studying in England as a Rhodes scholar. Later, around early 1970s, this was eventually given to Mr. Roger H. York (YouTube user "merrihew") of Richmond, VA, whom he had an acquaintance. Since then, it was in Mr. York's possession until July 2008, when I had a big trip to the U.S. for five weeks, and visited Mr. York, spending a week together at his house. We have known each other for about a year via YouTube, and it was (so far) first and only time we met offline. I enjoyed staying there very much, listening some records from his vast collections of 78s and LPs, as well as watching some early films, and meeting some interesting people.

I already had two Phonographs (Japanese Victrola J1-50, and a Columbia portable, both originally belonged to my maternal grandfather.) back in Korea, but as soon as I saw the HMV 102 machine on his Living room table, I fell in love with that thing. It was, as you can see, in a not-so-perfect condition; the key, and the original record tray went missing, some minor rusts on the turntable, broken carrying handle, and lots of tears on the leatherette cover. But the motor is so smoothly working (I have never seen any other Phonographs which has really quiet motor like this one), and the sound quality was brilliant. On the day I left Mr. York's house, I asked him if I could get it from him, and Mr. York generously gave this one to me for free.

For the rest of my trip during U.S. and Canada - eventually ended up taking the plane back to Seoul in Vancouver - I had some trouble at the Airport customs offices, as the Customs people thought this as some sort of 'Weapon of Self-Destruction" ; but eventually, I finally made it to bring it to my house, which I keep it on top of my desk, listening my favorite records every time that I want.

[Nat]

Many thanks for sharing all that! Beautiful machine (from a closet portable fan... ).

Nat

[schweg]

Nice machine, but a great story! Thanks for showing this one to us.

Steve

[Andersun]

Thanks for posting this. I love the dusting brush feature and the HMV logo! What is the card on the turntable for? Speed adjustment?

Just noticed the burger and coke (last pic)... now I'm hungry!

Thanks,
Steve

[JHolmesesq]

Nice! I've been looking to buy one of these for ages - since I'm in the UK, I have the advantage of them being relatively common on eBay but they always seem to go for way too much, especially the 101 machines! Sigh, I may have to save up a bit

[Nat]

What is the difference between the 5a and the 5b soundboxes?

[JHolmesesq]

Remind me to post about my dinky portable next time. Like yours it's so common but holds much sentimental value

[Energ15]

Thanks for showing us that great machine! I've been looking into buying one of those, but as a previous member said, they are selling for high prices.

[gramophoneshane]

What is the difference between the 5a and the 5b soundboxes?

As far as I know, the only difference is the pattern pressed into the diaphragm.
The 5a came in nickel, and in gold or silver oxide for the bigger re-entrants, & I think(?) the 5b only came in nickel & chrome, and in gold for the red delux 102.
I never used to think there was any difference in sound quality between the two, but after quite some time of using both, I came to the conclusion the 5b is slightly better & I leave a 5b on the 202 now days.

[Nat]

That doesn't sound as if I need to rush out and buy at 5B! I've got a line on an A for a good price -= so I think I may give it a try. Haven't used anything but Victor Orthos before!

Thanks for the reply,

Nat