Elegant Antique Suitcase Gramophone His Master's Voice Model 102. France, 1930's

Stunning antique suitcase gramophone made by the Compagnie Française du Gramohpone (French branch of The Gramophone Company) in the 1930s. This is model 102, a compact and quality device that can still play records with an outstanding sound quality. In order to guarantee it, the motor has been cleaned and fine-tuned so today the gramophone works wonderfully. The suitcase that contains it so it can be easily carried is also greatly preserved and keeps the black-leather covering in excellent condition. The gramophone still preserves the original handle and suitcase-type lock. Inside the suitcase there is a walnut-colored wooden plank that hides the motor and supports the turntable. This plank has a gap where the arm with the reproducer can be folded. To turn the gramophone on, first the user must lift the arm. The silvery-metal elements are all original and remain in outstanding condition: they look shiny, even and with no traces or rust. Attached to the wooden plank there is a small metal plate with the engraved gramophones model and serial number: C102 2064. Last but not least, inside the cover we can see a compartment for the records with the printed brand logo (the famous dog listening to the gramophone) and the inscription La Voix de Son Maitre CIE. FSE. DU GRAMOPHONE. For its remarkable sound and authenticity, this antique HMV gramophone deserves a honor place in the home of the most demanding collector. Measurements: Width: 9.8 in / 25 cm. Height: 5.9 in / 15 cm. Depth: 16.9 in / 43 cm.History of His Masters Voice Inside the cover we find the famous brand logo with the inscription HIS MASTERS VOICE clearly printed in golden lettering. The brand was created in 1899 from a picture by Francis Barraud depicting the dog Nipper listening to his dead owners voice coming from a phonograph. The Gramophone Company bought the picture, but before they told Barraud to change the phonograph for a gramophone of their own. The rest is history: the image became worldly famous and the firm eventually changed its company name for the brand name. The Gramophone Company, based in the United Kingdom, was one of the early recording companies. The company was merged with the Columbia Graphophone Company in 1931 to form Electric and Musical Industries Limited (EMI), the company title as "The Gramophone Company Limited".