The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm selling my HMV 157. Please see attached pictures.

I acquired this machine from the family of the original purchaser after he died quite a few years ago. It has had no intermediary owners.

It is in perfect working order, although the brake could probably do with a new leather. But that's easily sorted.

This 157 has all original parts. Nothing has been swapped out or modified. This includes the soundbox and grille cloth.

Unfortunately, at some point the owner decided to place a pot plant on the top of the cabinet, which has marred the finish a bit. But this is only superficial and can be easily refinished to bring it up to the standard of the rest of the cabinet.

Why am I selling it?

I bought this quite a few years ago intending to do a complete refinish, however, I just lost interest. It just wasn't something I felt like pursuing. Since then, it has sat in the lounge, only getting occasional play and I would prefer it go to a good home where it will be appreciated.

It has a mini-service a few years back by John Sleep, a well-respected tech and dealer in Cornwall.

I would like £350 for this HMV 157, but will consider reasonably near offers. Pick up only.

BUMP

Would £275 make this more appealing? I really would like it to go to a good home and my wife would really like the space in our lounge.

Thanks,
Will

Hey Will, I'm not sure what the market is like in the UK but here in the states it is very, very low for common machines with finish issues. I can pick up Victrola Orthophonic machines of comparable sizes and conditions here for usually under $75 (not sure what the exchange rate is). Not of much interest to collectors but you might have an easier time listing this for a more general audience like on FaceBook marketplace where someone who doesn't really know what it is may be interested because it's a cool, mechanical, antique that they can show off to their friends or tinker with. Again, maybe this isn't the case in the UK, but it is here. Good luck, really looks like it would be a nice sounding machine

I'm afraid the situation is the same in the UK. The 157 is not the most attractive of the HMV range, although it sounds great. I have the tiger oak version in excellent condition and have offered this to various interested parties over the past few years for £70, but so far none have been tempted.

Barry

Thanks, guys.

I have to say I'm surprised. I've had this for about 6-7 years now and the year before I got it eBay in the UK was listing these around the same price I'm asking, higher if the finish was in good condition.

Ah, how times do change.

Many thanks for the Facebook Marketplace suggestion. I'll give that a try.

Best,
Will

Will wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:47 amI have to say I'm surprised. I've had this for about 6-7 years now and the year before I got it eBay in the UK was listing these around the same price I'm asking, higher if the finish was in good condition.

As with any listing on the popular auction sites, what price the seller lists an article at is what they hope to get. If you put that article on "watch", in most cases it will be re-listed at a lower price, or removed altogether by a presumably disappointed seller!

Barry

Will wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:47 am Thanks, guys.

I have to say I'm surprised. I've had this for about 6-7 years now and the year before I got it eBay in the UK was listing these around the same price I'm asking, higher if the finish was in good condition.

Ah, how times do change.

Many thanks for the Facebook Marketplace suggestion. I'll give that a try.

Best,
Will

To be honest, once very popular 163's are struggling to make £400 or more at the moment and the 157 is not in the same league as the 163! The problem you have as well is the lid damage. It is nigh impossible to replicate the lacquered finish on the mahogany machines of this period and yet the lid of your example is sadly a bit far gone. If I wanted a 157 I'd be buying Barry's for £70, which is admittedly very cheap for a tiger oak version!