The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am probably missing something obvious here but why does this HMV 5a sound-box look different to any others I have seen ?


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256531806728 ... fresh=true

Yes, completely different front guard. It reminds me, though, of something familiar... I've seen this design before. Don't remember where...

It's the Columbia equivalent to HMV 5B, otherwise identical and used on the 9000, 9000A and 206 models. Both soundboxes are made by EMI.

Just checked the Ebay link and this particular example has the Maltese Cross design used on the Columbia variant but for some reason (likely not original and swapped by a user) the back-plate is the HMV and not the Columbia.

I've just sold a HMV 102 complete with the same Columbia soundbox on it as that was what the original retailer replaced the original 5B with.

The Columbia No.28 soundbox was fitted to the 206 portable but not the 9000. The 9000 soundbox (I have just checked my 9000) is identical to the HMV No.5B from the front, but the back plate is plain.

Potential bidders for this eBay hybrid should note that the isolator is missing from the back plate.

Really great information - thanks for clarifying everyone.

I notice that there may be a screw missing from the back and some of the other screws may have been undone at some point in time ?

'All in all' very interesting indeed !

epigramophone wrote: Mon Jun 03, 2024 2:48 am The Columbia No.28 soundbox was fitted to the 206 portable but not the 9000. The 9000 soundbox (I have just checked my 9000) is identical to the HMV No.5B from the front, but the back plate is plain.

Potential bidders for this eBay hybrid should note that the isolator is missing from the back plate.

The early "prototype" 9000A I have certainly came fitted with the No. 28. I'd have to dig out my 9000 to check what soundbox is on that though!

My 9000 dates from 1948. Here is the plain back of it's soundbox :

Just checked my two 9000s, and both have soundboxes that are identical to the 5A from the front, with plain backs.

Barry