The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

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.

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.

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

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.

This item has disappeared from the sale.

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

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

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.