Hate to say it, but that actually IS an authentic HMV model 23. I am not really seeing the crapophone earmarks here unless it is the cabinet. This is probably on model from which the Indians copied. The horn is an authentic aftermarket horn, but it fits in the elbow perfectly, speaking of which, due to it being a slip in elbow, points to the machine being made in the late 20s. I have a photo of a German Grammophon (German Victor) of the same design with the same markings, but with the green Victor type morning glory horn and a nickeled back bracket. If you have the rare Daniel Marty coffee table book, Illustrated History of Phonographs, you will find that on page 49. Remember, HMV had facilities and jobbers all over the world, and it was extremely popular in India and many recordings were made there of their classical and cinematic music. The style number decal is correct, and the jobber tag - when have we seen a tag like this on a crapophone? I never have. Calcutta was a major center of British occupation as well. I think all American collectors should become familiar as possible with HMV authentic machines. WHo knows? That 'Crapophone' you pass up at an estate sale for $500 might just be the real thing!! John
Robert Wright <[email protected]> wrote: Well this is interesting... Every earmark of being a crap-o-phone except what looks like a Victor Exhibition reproducer. And a brass/copper (?) tag stating it's from Calcutta. And no Nipper logo. And it looks old. Is this an example of the crap-o-phone's true origin? And any guesses where its quality would rate on a scale of modern crap-o-phone to nice Victor VI or something? http://cgi.ebay.com/Authentic-HMV-Phonograph_W0QQitemZ190130320409QQihZ009QQcategoryZ1442QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
