His Master's Voice Gramophone Value Guide

Handmade HMV 78 RPM functional working gramophone phonograph Record with player | eBay
His Master's Voice Gramophone
Estimated Value
$700 – $850
Period
1910-1920
Origin
United Kingdom
Materials
Wood, brass, metal, felt
Category
Gramophone

The His Master's Voice Gramophone is a cornerstone of early 20th-century audio history, famously featuring the Nipper the dog logo. This UK-origin device revolutionized home entertainment by utilizing Emile Berliner's flat disc technology rather than cylinders.

What Is His Master's Voice Gramophone Worth?

The typical price range for His Master's Voice Gramophone is $700 - $850 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the brass horn, specifically the absence of dents or heavy oxidation.
  • The operational status of the internal clockwork motor and the integrity of the sound box.
  • Authenticity of the wooden casing materials and the preservation of the original HMV logo decal.
  • Completeness of original parts, including the winding handle and the felt on the turntable.

How to Identify His Master's Voice Gramophone?

  • Look for the iconic 'His Master's Voice' decal featuring Nipper the dog listening to a phonograph.
  • Verify the presence of a large, decorative brass or metal horn and a wooden cabinet base.
  • Check for the original felt-covered turntable platter and internal mechanical hand-crank components.
  • Confirm the manufacturer's plate indicates production in the United Kingdom during the 1910-1920 era.

History of His Master's Voice Gramophone

The gramophone, often associated with the iconic 'His Master's Voice' logo featuring Nipper the dog, revolutionized home entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed by Emile Berliner, it surpassed Edison's phonograph by using flat disc records, which were easier to mass-produce and store. This innovation made recorded music accessible to a wider audience, shaping the nascent music industry and setting the stage for future audio technologies.

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