Item Report
Decca Portable Wind-Up Gramophone
By: Decca
Style: Early-Mid 20th Century Portable Audio Equipment
Origin: United Kingdom
Materials: Wood/fiberboard, metal (steel, aluminum), felt, Bakelite/plastic
Age: circa 1930s-1940s
Condition: Very Good (minor surface wear, appears complete and working, not professionally serviced or tested)
Value: $80-$200
Maker's Marks / Writing: Decca logo inside the lid. Decca and Victor needle tins (accessory).
Date: 2025-06-04 04:41:00.562565
Description:
This is a portable, mechanical wind-up gramophone manufactured by Decca, likely from the 1930s-1940s. The machine features an all-in-one suitcase-style case with a built-in turntable and crank for manual operation. It is equipped with a tonearm and needle head and was used for playing shellac 78rpm records. There are accessory boxes for spare needles visible in the picture, attesting to its completeness. The materials include pressed wood or fiberboard casing, metal fittings, felt, and Bakelite or plastic handle.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A well-preserved example of a mid-20th century Decca portable gramophone. These were popular for home and small event entertainment before the widespread adoption of electrical record players. The original Decca logo is intact and the piece appears to have retained important elements such as the crank, turntable, and tonearm. The inclusion of period-appropriate needle boxes adds value and completeness.
Individual Images:
- Detail images highlight the crank mechanism
- original Decca and Victor needle boxes
- metal tonearm and hardware
- and intact Decca logo. The felt turntable mat is present and shows expected aging. The hinges and latches appear original and functional.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation included.
Condition:
Very Good (minor surface wear, appears complete and working, not professionally serviced or tested)
Identification Score: 98%
The distinctive Decca branding, case form, and mechanical features are consistent with known examples. Minor uncertainty remains regarding exact production year and model.
Authenticity Score: 92%
All features such as age-appropriate hardware, original parts, and branded needle tins support authenticity. There are no overt signs of modern reproduction.
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Decca, portable gramophone, wind-up, vintage audio, 78rpm, United Kingdom, 1930s, 1940s, record player
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