A Bentley portable? I think not!

[epigramophone]

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... a15ac0a17e

Incorrectly described as an HMV102, this 101 has been re-covered and has the letter "B" embossed on the covering.
The auctioneers describe it as "A rare Bentley HMV portable gramophone", but it is almost certainly one of a number of portables similarly "made up" in the 1980's and badged as Bentley or Rolls-Royce. They still appear occasionally at classic car shows.

I have been actively involved with classic cars for over 50 years, and I have never seen one shred of evidence to suggest that any British car manufacturer ever sanctioned the use of their name on a gramophone.

The auctioneers are located in the Channel Islands, where Bentley's and Rolls-Royce's are not uncommon. For this concoction they expect an opening bid of £900, and have quoted a pre-sale estimate of £1000/£1500. Make of that what you will.

[HMVDevotee]

I know a couple of fellows in the Bentley Driver's Club with sufficient means to purchase these. However, given their undying devotion to "W.O.", I suspect would have nothing to do with something inauthentic. RR/Bentley owners may be another matter.

[Steve]

Worthless fake. They didn't even bother to replace the turntable felt with matching red. Is it even a leather covering?

[jamiegramo]

I wonder if this has been entirely re-covered? The finish is very patchy, perhaps a black 101 stained or painted red.

The Bentley ‘B’ logo is very half-hearted, surely an authentic product would have included the Bentley wings? Otherwise it could be mistaken for something like Butlins.

The auctioneer should be informed the item is a fake but perhaps the buyer won’t care.

[jamiegramo]

This item has disappeared from the sale.

To quote the OP ‘Make of that what you will’.

[jamiegramo]

On this subject and out of interest a ‘Rolls Royce’ 102 sold back in 2011 by Bonhams for £1200.

[epigramophone]

When I bought an Armstrong Siddeley I made up a gramophone for it, using an HMV102 which was missing it's lid transfer panel.
The gap had been covered in matching leathercloth, which I used to cover the replacement panel which I made.
After I sold the car I kept the gramophone for a while, then sold it to another Armstrong Siddeley owner.
I ensured that he knew exactly what he was buying, and he was delighted with it.
I have nothing against modifying gramophones in this way, provided that they are honestly described when they are sold.