The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

HI colleagues ! I am a bit confused about identity of various variants of HMV 88 portable gramophone. While the 88 z is identifiable by its golden looks , identity of 88 and 88 a is not discernible to me. For me, there is a HMV 88 with an external needle holder and another with an internal needle holder, therefore I would like to learn which of these two is 88 a ? were there different sound boxes used for each of the three variants?

I would also request the Forum for information about the standard dimensions of HMV 88 when closed, its carrying weight and the type and number of the motor inside it.

Thanks and best regards

Sheraz Hyder

The "gold" fittings (sometimes described as "bronze lacquer") seen on some early post war EMI portables are the result of chromium shortages, which forced manufacturers to reduce or eliminate chromium plating on consumer goods.

As far as I am aware, all 88 and 211 variants used either the HMV No.23 or the Columbia No.24 soundbox. The motor was a 26590.
The case dimensions are approximately 11 inches wide x 16 inches deep x 6 inches high. I do not know the weight.

I have never seen either an HMV88 or a Columbia 211 with an external needle bin, but as these machines were in production during wartime, variations in specification caused by shortages of parts are entirely possible.