The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

For those who bemoaned the sale of an HMV511 for £28, here is a 194 with an opening price of £2. Where will it end?

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... 5c171b7d5d

It now has an opening bid of £10. Don't all rush at once......

I wish I could buy it. How would I get it home?

Would this one have an oil bath motor as well as 'the other one' I wonder ?

poodling around wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 7:08 am Would this one have an oil bath motor as well as 'the other one' I wonder ?

No. It only has the No. 34 quad spring motor, as evidenced by the lack of gilt motor-plate to top AND the single lid stay. The improved models of 1929 (?) feature twin lid stays, an extension piece to the horn under the tone-arm rail and the No. 52 oil-bath motor.

Steve wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 9:47 am

poodling around wrote: Tue Jan 20, 2026 7:08 am Would this one have an oil bath motor as well as 'the other one' I wonder ?

No. It only has the No. 34 quad spring motor, as evidenced by the lack of gilt motor-plate to top AND the single lid stay. The improved models of 1929 (?) feature twin lid stays, an extension piece to the horn under the tone-arm rail and the No. 52 oil-bath motor.

Not so good then

My 193 has the No.34 motor AND the twin lid stays.

epigramophone wrote: Wed Jan 21, 2026 4:32 am My 193 has the No.34 motor AND the twin lid stays.

Yes, they do exist; a former member of this forum in Australia, for example, owns a 202 with twin lid stay and No. 34, but these appear to be far fewer in number than the more commonly seen surviving examples which either have single lid stay and 34 motor or twin lid stay and 52 motor. There are always going to be odd exceptions.