HMV 203, buy it or not ?

by **Joe_DS** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:23 pm

STEVE wrote: Are you joking when you say you've seen a couple of the soundboxes on Ebay? I've never seen a blued silver one before and I've been looking....

If you ever see another one PLEASE BUY IT OR LET ME KNOW ABOUT IT as I desperately need one.

Hi Steve:

I'll definitely keep my eyeballs peeled, and if I spot one, I'll pass the "item #" (if applicable) along to you, via this site's private message jump.

I remember that the one I saw looked like a conventional chrome plated sound box, except that the center of the face plate was a metallic blue color, and I think that there were "stripes" extending from the center to the outer shell, so the whole impression was sort of a "starburst" effect. I don't think the seller knew what it was, or what it came from. I don't remember what he called it, possibly "gramaphone head" or something like that, but it was not identified as a "sound box" or "reproducer" in the title or description.

Collector · by **Collector** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:15 pm

I've bought the HMV 203 ! If you want I can send some pictures !

steve1 · by **steve1** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:21 pm

post away, collector!

Let's see it then!

STEVE · by **STEVE** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 10:53 am

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of pictures of the machine we've been discussing for so long!

Come on!!!!!!!!

Collector · by **Collector** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:07 pm

Hi Steve and the rest

As I'm quite busy for my work at the moment I promise that I'll post several photos this weekend: some special wishes (motor, details) ?

engbo · by **engbo** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:09 am

Motor and brake assembly please

Thanks in advance

STEVE · by **STEVE** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:18 pm

Cloth & fretwork, tone-arm & motorboard and generally the case (interesting to see how well it has been redone etc)

Thanks

Collector · by **Collector** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:38 pm

Well.... as promised, hereby the pictures of the HMV 203.

If somebody wants some additional pictures, please feel free to ask me.

I intend to refinish the gramophone and I'll try to get (if available...?) the original transfers (HMV and the text "Close lid whilst playing"). I also want to place a new cloth; some suggestions ?

STEVE · by **STEVE** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:36 pm

Hi Collector!

I think you are right to consider refinishing the cabinet as it doesn't look "right" as it's been left (if you follow me?). Just make sure that whoever does the work, they SPRAY apply CELLULOSE and not French polish the cabinet as this is the only way to get these cabinets looking right again.

Re the transfer - i am not aware of anyone reproducing the HMV transfers (ironic considering how many Crapophones use the HMV transfer illegally!) and believe that this situation will remain this way.

I think I might have a source for the replacement cloth so email me if you get stuck.

Good luck with it - you should end up with a really good (and very cheap) machine!

by **Joe_DS** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:21 pm

RE: HMV Replacement Transfers --

I remember that this topic came up on the old version of this board, and I was able to locate the following in the archived posts --

http://phonoland.com/archives/mboards/m ... 0000014025

Related -- http://phonoland.com/archives/mboards/m ... 0000019872

I also did a search at google, but the only thing I spotted were the replacement decals for Victrolas, Edison phonographs, etc. (There have been some complaints about the quality of these.)

Based on the photos, this is a beautiful example and as Steve notes, it mandates a high quality, authentic restoration. Please keep us informed about any progress you make. It will also be great to see the "after" photos, once the job is completed.

bert baekelmans · by **bert baekelmans** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 6:29 pm

GET IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN...HORNS ONLY SELL FOR OVER 6000 EURO's.
THERE ARE MANY NICE CABINETS OUT THERE MISSING JUST THE HORN !!!

bert

bert baekelmans · by **bert baekelmans** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 6:47 pm

look at http://www.grillecloth.com/ for the exact copy of the grillcloth.I guess I used #60 rca but I m not sure it was 6 years ago. Get a small peace first.they are not that expensive
I would look around for a nice empty cabinet before restoring the cabinet.
you will find one with some patience !!!

And if you do restore it,get it spray-varnished with dull varnish,not glossy. Then after a week or so gently pollish the cabinet with Brasscleaner polish,yes...coppercleaner. or a good carpolish.
It gives you the perfect 75 year old patina that is so hard to get.
I sold the 203 I restored to a Korean collector for 15000 euro's!!!

) keepin' my emg oversize though !

regards,

Bert

STEVE · by **STEVE** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:02 pm

I agree to a point with Bert Baekelmans - there are a number of empty cabinets missing the horn and if you were lucky enough to stumble upon one, the best course of action would be to empty the innerds out of this one and put into the "other" cabinet with original finish.

BTW, Bert, Collector has ALREADY bought it as stated earlier in his posts?

Yes, metal polish is also very effective to polish old French polish or cellulose. However I would leave it a lot longer than B.B. indicates. A lot of these finishes take many months to fully crystalise and harden off. I wouldn't advise polishing with a cutting paste after such a short time?

Just my two cents worth!......

HMV Sound Box

As promised, the pictures of the HMV 203

RE: HMV Transfers...

Re: HMV 203, buy it or not ?

Re: As promised, the pictures of the HMV 203

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