The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

June has been a good month for unusual Columbia finds.

First came the No.10 soundbox. i have never seen one before, and neither have any of my collector friends. It may be an overseas model, as the patent Number 114413 is too low for the UK, much lower than either the No.8 or the No.9 (212137/264263).

Next came an early 9000 portable which seems never to have entered full production. No more than 6 survivors are known.

Finally a 206 portable, an HMV102 with Columbia features and less commonly found than the 102.

I have both of these two machines, with the 206 coming from our Late friend, Barry. Assuming yours didn't come with its original record tray you might just as well buy an HMV one and use the blue velvet turntable covering from a spare Garrard or Collaro turntable to replace the HMV felt.