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Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:51 pm
by Carl
I am looking to purchase an HMV 101 portable, and I came across this one (photo attached). It is advertised as an HMV 101 Gramophone. I don't see any branding or markings to confirm or deny that claim. As a matter of fact, I don't see ANY branding for ANY manufacturer. Can it be identified by the attached photo?
Thank you
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 10:53 pm
by Lucius1958
Not a 101, or even an HMV.
Looking very closely, I can make out 'Made in the United States of America'.
Judging from the generic label & no maker info, and possibly the case style (is it painted olive drab?), I think it might be some GI phonograph, maybe around WWII...?
- Bill
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 4:41 am
by epigramophone
There may be a manufacturer's name on the soundbox, which is not clearly visible in the picture. If you are unable to inspect the machine in person, ask the seller for more pictures.
If Lucius is right and the machine is an armed forces issue, it will be well worth buying.
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 6:12 am
by Damfino59
Carl wrote: Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:51 pm
I am looking to purchase an HMV 101 portable, and I came across this one (photo attached). It is advertised as an HMV 101 Gramophone. I don't see any branding or markings to confirm or deny that claim. As a matter of fact, I don't see ANY branding for ANY manufacturer. Can it be identified by the attached photo?
Thank you
I think that phonograph is a version of the portable phonographs used by the Jehovahs Witness religious organization. I found this sold listing on eBay. Considering what it sold for, the one you’re looking at would be an interesting find.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/205672113975?m ... media=MORE
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 6:14 am
by Damfino59
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 6:23 am
by Inigo
It looks exactly the same, label and all...
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 10:02 am
by Carl
I was wondering about that Watch Tower sticker, knowing the connection to Jehova's Witness. I'm interested in it, and now I'm thinking this provenance might help me decide. Further comments are appreciated and welcomed. You guys are great. Thank you.
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 1:33 pm
by Inigo
The JWs carried these portables with them for their chats and lectures in people's homes, meetings, etc... Although I consider most interesting the other model with lid and automatic playing device...
https://youtu.be/bzGRWgf8Oa0?feature=shared
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 1:35 pm
by epigramophone
This older thread may be helpful, but as happens all too often the pictures are long gone.
viewtopic.php?t=23159&sid=7adb8605de4fb ... 75981282dd
Re: Help me ID this portable, please
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2025 2:35 pm
by Carl
Great information. That old thread was a good read. I'll be looking at it on Tuesday. I'll let you know how it goes.
A quick question for those familiar with these JW players: is the reproducer pot metal, and can an Exhibition or No.2 be used?
Thank you all.