One-Of-A-Kind Victrola Gramophone HMV 1A Automatic RARE

The ultimate machine to own for collectors of orthophonic and reentrant victrolas and gramophones! The 1-A Automatic was made by HIS MASTER'S VOICE in 1928 and was the UK's answer to the Victor Victrola's 10-50 automatic changer. But unlike the 10-50, this model could hold up to 20 records of a mix of 10" and 12" records. This machine also had a wired remote control so the records could be stopped and started right at your easy chair 30 ft away!

You may be asking why is this such a special machine and a one-of-a-kind specimen. Because the model was so expensive in 1928 (much more than a Ford Model A), not many were produced. Some say only about 100 machines were made. But all those machines where walnut cased, bronze metal work with a simpler grill and a plain turned remote stand. BUT THIS BEAUTIFUL LADY is most likely the only one custom made from the inlaid silkwood veneers, the intricate cut grill, gold plated metal work, with custom matching inlaid pedestal remote. The condition is excellent other than a few scratches and the original finish is still glossy. A leading expert in the United Kingdom who is considered one of the most knowledgeable on British phonographs told me that he felt that a machine of this caliber was the only one built with these custom features and was either made for demonstrations in the flagship store in the 20's in London or was made for a member of the royal family. Nothing has ever been produced like it in the UK where few machines were given such flair.

This machine has a rebuilt Universal motor that is almost noiseless. I have attached several youtube links so you can hear and see it in action. It is unbelievable the full rich sound this phonograph produces. One must hear it in person to feel the music fill every corner of the room. This machine has the metal reentrant horn that is not quite as big as the HMV 202/203 but is larger than Victor's 10-50. Anyone with money can own a 202/203 but how many people can own a 1-A automatic with these custom features? Just one and that can be you.

Here are the things that you should know about the condition. Currently it plays only single play one record at a time. When switched to automatic the records change as you can see in one of the videos but will not shut off. When I got it the cog that controls the timing to shut it off was present but removed. Although all parts are there I could not find the setting for the cog and with just a little experimenting the cog can be set to shut it off after each cycle. The changing is flawless though and picks up 10 and 12 inch records every time and then deposits them in the pocket to the right. There are some scratches to the finish and a darkened area that is very hard to see on one corner of the lid. 2 small trim pieces on the bottom back are missing but the ones on the front can be used to have replacements made at a cabinet shop. There is a bump/bruise on the front bottom edge. The back panel has a deep scratch on the back. The grill cloth is a correct replacement. Although the photos sometimes shows it rather black - it is gold and was the RCA replacement cloth. The grill is not broken any where. The lid hinges work fine as does the light. The reproducer is the gold plated original. It has a chipped place on the rim but it is not suffering from any potmetal fatigue. Voltage can be regulated to any country’s electric standard right in the back of the machine. When I got it was set to 240 v and I changed it to 110v but it will go as low as 60v. The remote has a small metal ring missing around one of the buttons and it has not been tested with the machine. Some veneer is missing on bottom. I have some silkwood veneer for replacement.

This is most likely the only one known in the world with these beautiful features and is in a class by itself when compared to other walnut A-1 or the 202/203 family of reentrant gramophones.

So how rare is this machine? Will another Edison Ideal come on the market? Sure. How about a Berliner Trademark machine? Yes. Why there are over 25 Auxetophones still in the world today and 25 owners but only one A-1 automatic with this beautiful case. So there will only be one person or museum in the world who will own this treasure... the zenith of acoustic phonographs!

SHIPPING OPTIONS: The good news is that I have a professionally made crate already for this machine and it is mounted on a pallet and it is included with the machine. It was used to ship it cross country over 2000 miles and it arrived in perfect condition. I would recommend Craters and Freighter out of Memphis TN to transport it. I can also hold this machine as long as you need if you or a representative plan to come here to pick it up. (About an hour south of Memphis TN) Or it can be delivered to the Union Ill. Phonograph Show in June. I'll be happy to work with you in any way. An immediate payment of $300 must be made through paypal at the end of auction. The remainder must be payed in person or other funds mailed. Machine will be released for shipment only after funds are secured. Additional photos can be taken and you are welcome to come view and play it. Thank you and Good Luck Bidding!

YOUTUBE VIDEOS: COPY LINK AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST35oaRlxUg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIgxO9-r_2w&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If7WrRtCAkI&feature=related

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On Nov-11-09 at 14:39:52 PST, seller added the following information:

SHIPPING EXAMPLES: I will be adding a quote for the UK and OZ soon. A rough estimate for delivery via Craters & Freighters to Fresno CA is $530.

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On Nov-13-09 at 09:19:22 PST, seller added the following information:

SAMPLE QUOTE TO MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA: $1370. All over seas shipping will require a new crate built because the wood has to be treated and certified "Bug free". This is included in the price. Pickup is at port. These quotes are estimates but should be fairly accurate.

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On Nov-13-09 at 12:06:20 PST, seller added the following information:

Shipping to London UK would cost $1125. I can help shave $200 off both UK and OZ prices overseas by delivering it to Memphis at shipper's warehouse. These prices do not include the remote in shipping. It is small enough that I think it would be better to ship through UPS or Fed-X.