Real or fak

[Gero73]

Hello all 

help needed 

 

just need your expert advice to see if this is a real HMV gramophone please. 
 

I haven’t purchased yet 

 

thank you in advance 

 

colin 

[ericreiss]

This is interesting but I think it is something of a "Frankenphone" - a machine made up of parts from a lot of different machines.

First, the cabinet looks original. However, HMV never used this particular "double-cove" molding on the base of their machines, at least not any of the machines made in the UK. I cannot see the decal clearly enough to give you more information.

 

Second, the back bracket and tonearm look like late model HMV machines from the UK. However, the elbow and horn are clearly from a German or Swiss machine.

 

Third, the soundbox is an HMV 5a, which is a decent reproducer but not one that was ever used on outside horn machines. It was introduced in 1925 and had a tendency to buzz. Of course, this could be an upgrade by a previous owner.

 

Fourth, the motor is clearly from a portable and looks to be original. But I haven't been able to identify it.

 

Anyway, assuming the machine runs reasonably well, this is a 200-dollar machine at best. It is certainly decorative and better than the Indian crapophones, but nothing a serious collector would want. Just my two cents 🙂

Edited September 7, 2022 by ericreiss

[Sheraz]

This is definitely not a HMV machine. The design of case is similar to the one used in Mastertone gramophones belonging to early 1900s. It may or may not be original. Overall the optics are neat. Yes of course this has been manufactured with parts salvaged from different machines. This type of horn frequently appears with reconstructed machines. I am enclosing some photos to demonstrate this fact. If the tone arm is well balanced, not loosely fitted in the bracket, and the motor when fully wound is capable of playing a record , and the sound from reproducer is of good quality, I am for it. It is always important to reuse the vantage parts instead of throwing these away. However at USD 200 it is over priced. In any case this should be around USD 85-100.