Vintage HMV Sound Box No 16 Boxed Gramophone Reproducer Spares or Repair
£35.00
Skip to product information
Vintage HMV Sound Box No 16 Boxed Gramophone Reproducer Spares or Repair
£35.00
Overview
- Type: Acoustic Gramophone Reproducer / Sound Box Part
- Brand: HMV (His Master's Voice) / The Gramophone Company Ltd
- Model Variant: Sound Box No. 16 Chromium Plate (Ultra-lightweight reproducer)
- Manufacture Era: Early 1930s (c. 1931–1935)
- Country of Origin: Middlesex, England, United Kingdom
- Physical Weight: 136g (Sound box mechanism standalone weight)
- Verified Outer Diameter: 2.5 Inches (Approx. 6.3 cm)
- Inclusions: Authentic original HMV illustrated green/cream cardboard retail storage box
- Compatibility: Famous factory-fitted equipment for the iconic HMV Model 102 Portable Gramophone
- Classification: Spares / Repair / Restoration Project / Historical Display Piece
Historical Context & Engineering
This is a highly sought-after example of an authentic 1930s HMV Sound Box No. 16, preserved alongside its original vintage point-of-sale retail packaging. Introduced by The Gramophone Company at the tail-end of 1931, the No. 16 sound box was engineered as an innovative, lightweight alternative designed to reduce stylus pressure on fragile 78 RPM shellac records, noticeably minimizing tracking groove wear.
This is a highly sought-after example of an authentic 1930s HMV Sound Box No. 16, preserved alongside its original vintage point-of-sale retail packaging. Introduced by The Gramophone Company at the tail-end of 1931, the No. 16 sound box was engineered as an innovative, lightweight alternative designed to reduce stylus pressure on fragile 78 RPM shellac records, noticeably minimizing tracking groove wear.
The front casing features a beautifully stylized industrial sunburst/starburst aperture ventilation grille. The side paneling retains the classic printed advertisement detailing recommendation notes for utilizing "Tungstyle" multi-play record needles. Complete, boxed examples of the No. 16 variant remain highly prized by gramophone enthusiasts and historical collectors alike.
Description
Whether you are looking for an exceptional, character-filled display piece to anchor an antique audio collection or sourcing a rare original box and casing for a high-end reconstruction project, this authentic HMV Sound Box No. 16 delivers outstanding visual presence. The bright chromium-plated finish gives the reproducer housing a striking aesthetic shine, while the original illustrated retail box features clear, iconic imagery of "Nipper the Dog" listening to the phonograph. Sold strictly as a restoration project, this lot is an uncommon survivor of early British acoustic engineering.
Whether you are looking for an exceptional, character-filled display piece to anchor an antique audio collection or sourcing a rare original box and casing for a high-end reconstruction project, this authentic HMV Sound Box No. 16 delivers outstanding visual presence. The bright chromium-plated finish gives the reproducer housing a striking aesthetic shine, while the original illustrated retail box features clear, iconic imagery of "Nipper the Dog" listening to the phonograph. Sold strictly as a restoration project, this lot is an uncommon survivor of early British acoustic engineering.
Condition Report
This vintage gramophone component set is sold as a restoration project for spares, repair, or display, featuring a fantastic cosmetic patina.
This vintage gramophone component set is sold as a restoration project for spares, repair, or display, featuring a fantastic cosmetic patina.
- The Sound Box (136g): The outer chrome-plated casing is structurally solid and intact, measuring exactly 2.5 inches in outer diameter. It exhibits widespread fine historic surface pitting, light cosmetic spotting, and localized tarnish blemishes consistent with a 90+ year old unpolished metal component. The dual needle-bar alignment screws engage cleanly.
- Internal Defect: Please note that a clean, jagged triangular section is broken away and missing from the edge of the internal aluminum diaphragm, and a tiny loose fragment rests against the inner mesh layer. Because the diaphragm is compromised, the unit will not play records properly without distortion and requires a rebuilding project.
- Connection Detail: The rear throat consists of a direct metal sleeve mount with its alignment locking pin intact. The thin, internal vintage rubber sleeve liner has naturally perished over time and is absent from the inner metal tube wall.
- The Original Retail Box: The graphic box is in very good vintage condition, holding its shape beautifully. It retains strong, legible typography and crisp images. The cardboard displays expected corner scuffs, an old tape residue mark/surface skin peel on the rear closure flap, and light structural edge wear, but all main flaps remain present and fold cleanly.
Shipping & Logistics
- Domestic Shipping: FREE UK TRACKED DELIVERY. The sound box will be wrapped inside soft tissue cushioning and set inside its original box. The entire group will then be extensively wrapped in high-density bubble cushioning and packed securely into a heavy-duty, double-walled corrugated box to ensure an absolute pristine arrival. Collection in person is also warmly welcomed.
- Dispatch: Order before 12.00pm (midday) and we ship same day (Monday to Friday).
Returns & Payment Policies
- Our Guarantee: We want you to be highly satisfied with your finds. If the item is not as described within the context of this restoration report, a full refund will be provided alongside prepaid return logistics.
- Change of Mind: We accept returns within 30 days; however, in these instances, the buyer is responsible for the return shipping costs.