About the Author.
A member of the City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society, I was given a portable gramophone at the age of ten and have now been collecting for over 50 years. I am not a dealer, but like all collectors I buy and sell items to vary and enhance my collection.
I have written this guide to help the beginner avoid paying too high a price for an HMV102 which may not be complete.
The Historical Background.
Introduced in 1931, the 102 was in some respects an improvement on it's predecessor the 101, but in the matter of record storage it was a step backwards. Whereas the 101 had a record storage compartment in the lid, the 102 had a detachable metal tray which sat on the turntable and was lined with matching cloth.
Before setting off on the family picnic, the 102 owner had to remove the chosen records from their sleeves before placing them in the tray, rendering them liable to damage from scuffing. Afterwards, the records would have to be reunited with their sleeves before being put away. This inconvenient arrangement frequently led to the record tray being discarded and subsequently lost, creating a problem for today's collectors.
Identification Features.
Early 102's have two metal pegs on the motor board, one each side of the turntable. These engage with the feet on the tray and prevent it from revolving when in transit. Later 102's dispensed with the pegs and featured a simplified tray without feet, until the tray was discontinued as a wartime economy measure. It was never reintroduced after the war, although the 102 remained in production until the late 1950's.
Buying a 102 today.
If you are bidding on an early 102 with pegs on the motor board, there can be no argument. It should have a record tray with feet. This was standard equipment and NOT an optional extra. If the tray is missing, make sure that this is reflected in the price you are prepared to pay. Record trays do appear on eBay from time to time, but they are not cheap. As previously explained, the situation in respect of later 102's is less clear cut and is probably beyond the scope of the beginner.
If you want an HMV portable gramophone to use outdoors on picnics or perhaps with your vintage car, you would probably be better off with a Model 101 which is undervalued in the current market. This or a gramophone from one of HMV's main competitors such as Columbia or Decca could be a wise purchase whilst prices are still affordable.
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