Summary
Decca label portable hornless wind-up gramophone in leatherette-covered carrying case. Made in London circa 1920. It was donated to Museums Victoria by Batman Radio in 1962.
This gramophone was one of the first models to do away with the conventional horn, which was replaced by a silver dish-shaped sound board. Its type is sometimes known as the 'trench gramophone', as it became popular with World War I soldiers during service due to its portability.
Barnett Samuel and Sons manufactured the portable 'Dulcephone' gramophone, sold under the trade name 'Decca, from 1914.
Physical Description
Decca portable hornless gramophone in leatherette-covered carrying case with handle, with lift-up lid which contains playing head and a concave silver sound resonator. Motor and turntable in lower half. Felt-topped turntable. Speed control. Separate winding handle which would be inserted into side of case.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Batman Radio, 01 Sep 1962
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Manufacturer
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Maker
Decca Record Company, London, England, Great Britain, circa 1920
Decca was, at this time, a brand name rather than the name of the manufacturer, which was Barnett Samuel & Sons -
Inscriptions
Impressed on playing arm: 'RD. 631877 / PAT. 3033 / 0025-20'.
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Brand Names
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Classification
Communications, Audio-visual technology, Playback & recording
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
32 cm (Length), 31 cm (Width), 23 cm (Height)
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References
'Barnett Samuel and Sons Limited 1832 - 1928', Science Museum, UK, [Link 1] accessed 7/6/2019
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Keywords