Antique Spanish HMV Gramophone - Phonograph Mod. 2. Spain, Circa 1915

Impressive antique Spanish His Master's Voice (His Master's Voice) gramophone - phonograph, model 2, made in Barcelona, Spain circa 1915. This amazing item does not only show an imposing presence and a really attractive aesthetic; it is also entirely original from the time, and works and sounds very well. Though this model was made in Spain it mounts an English-type horn and retains the original paint. The box is made of mahogany wood and has milled and molded base and top, showing a sober and stylish design. It is in very good condition; the gorgeous reddish wood stands out under the glossy French-polish finish that covers and protects it. Under the box we can see the serial number 26519 stamped on the wood. At the front side the box has a circular decal with the inscription FRANCESA DEL GRAMOPHÓNE PROVEEDORA DE LA CASA REAL (French Gramophone Supplier of the Royal House) and a coat of arms, all in fine condition. At the right side we can see the remains of the company decal, the Typewriter Gramophone Ltd., quite worn and barely legible. The elbow and the arm which connect the horn and the reproducer and attach them to the box are made of chrome-plated metal. They are greatly preserved too. The reproducer is an EXHIBIITION model, original from the time. It bears the engraved serial number 223082 at the back. The horn which crowns this gramophone is an outstanding piece, made of aquamarine-colored enameled metal and with golden edges and nerves. The finish is the original one and remains in fine condition, especially when the gramophone is around one century old. As beautiful as authentic, this antique Spanish His Master's Voice gramophone mod. 2 will stand out in a great dining room or a charming music stance. Dimensions: Box: Side: 12.8 in / 32.5 cm. Height: 6.69 in / 17 cm. Horn: Length: 28.35 in / 72 cm. Mouths Width: 23.82 in / 60.5 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 Gramophone Company in 1931 to form Electric and Musical Industries Limited (EMI).