The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi,

I'm (hoping to be) close to owning a beautiful red HMV 102 portable (sans record tray) and was curious if one can determine the date of manufacture from the serial number.

Since I only have pictures to go by, the serial number hidden by the platter is the only detail I have at this point.

It's a 102c model, serial number: 847637. I read somewhere that starting from 1936 HMV began noting the date of manufacture by "B/x". Since this doesn't apply to the gramophone I'm looking at, I was wondering whether the serial number shed any light.

Also, what is the difference between the model numbers? (102a, 102b, etc.)

Cheers!

If you want a record tray please send me a private message for a source.

Or just check UK ebay where they are always listed.

According to Dave Cooper in his book, "The Perfect Portable Gramophone" the 102D model was available by 1946. So I think we can guess that your 102C would be circa late 1930's to 1945.

Thank you for the info! (I really need to get my hands on Cooper's book as well as the "Compleat Talking Machine")

Would it be fair to assume that since HMV adopted the B/x dating system on their 102 portables in 1936, mine would have been made before that year?

guest wrote:According to Dave Cooper in his book, "The Perfect Portable Gramophone" the 102D model was available by 1946. So I think we can guess that your 102C would be circa late 1930's to 1945.

Forget Cooper's book. It's out of print, very pricey and not very good in my opinion.

All the models featured in it are in the latest HMV book plus a few hundred other machines to boot. WHy not buy that book instead? Having said that, neither book is complete or as thorough as anything by Fabrizio & Paul.

Is the inside of the lid on yours flat or does it have the mounted "pad" with the HMV trademark? If flat, it is a later (post-1940) model (like my red 102) and wouldnt' have been sold with a record tray.

Steve wrote:Forget Cooper's book. It's out of print, very pricey and not very good in my opinion.

All the models featured in it are in the latest HMV book plus a few hundred other machines to boot. WHy not buy that book instead? Having said that, neither book is complete or as thorough as anything by Fabrizio & Paul.

Cooper's book was very good when it sold for $20!