Antique Spanish Gramophone His Master's Voice. Model 101. Spain, 1929

Impressive antique blue Spanish His Master's Voice (HMV) portable gramophone - phonograph, model 101. This singular and fine device was made in Barcelona, Spain in 1929 and has survived to our days in the amazing condition that we can appreciate in the images. The gramophone is in good working order and the suitcase where it is mounted is almost new, showing only two slight flaws at the top of the cover and the handle. The gorgeous bright blue color of the leather covering was a classical feature of the luxury gramophones made by the brand, a real symbol in the history of turn-of-the-century music. Today the leather covering is nearly intact and creates a beautiful contrast with the silvery metalwork. The metalwork is in fine condition too and looks shiny, even and polished, with no traces of rust or wear. The suitcase fasteners are in fine working order, and so is the arm-and-reproducer set contained inside. The reproducer bears the English brand name, HIS MASTERS VOICE, engraved at the back. Inside the cover there is a compartment to store records decorated with a lovely colorful decal depicting the famous picture of Nipper the dog listening to a horn gramophone. The decal is in perfect condition and so are the brand name and manufacturing companys name. Its bright colors stand out strongly on the deep blue background. One of the boxs sides mounts a small removable metal tray with spare needles. Its luxurious aesthetic, elegant presence and good sound quality turn this antique Spanish His Master's Voice suitcase gramophone model 101 into a real collectors piece. Measurements: Width: 11.6 in / 29 cm. Depth: 16.4 in / 41 cm. Height: 5.6 in / 14 cm.History of His Masters Voice This 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).