HMV/Lumière prototype radiogram. A brilliant achievement.

HMV/Lumière prototype radiogram with straight-line tracking achieved by clever double-jointed arm.

As far as is known, this is a unique HMV/Lumière combined gramophone and wireless described in the EMI collection catalogue (Number 254) as follows:

"The oak case is 20 1/4" X 17" X 14 1/2" high. Double spring motor. 12" diameter turntable. This experimental model contains a 2 valve crystal set. The crystal is fitted into a holder in the front. A socket as provided for external loudspeaker or headphones. The wireless set can be slid out for adjustments. The soundbox/diaphragm is different from production models in that it is mounted at an angle when playing. The supporting arm is jointed and, as the needle holder is mounted at right-angles to the diaphragm (ie sideways), when playing the needle point follows the line of the radius of the record achieving a perfect alignment."

Had this machine gone into production (circa 1925) it would have been the only 78 rpm gramophone ever publicly available offering perfect tracking---ie. the needle progressing in a straight line across the record at a constant tangent to the recorded grooves. In the event, this model was never made available for various commercial reasons but was a triumph of design and ingenuity. The earlier Balmain system where the soundbox was attached directly to the horn and where this whole assembly progressed directly across the record supported on a bath of mercury was only ever available in very small numbers.

Further details are to be seen in Brian Oakley & Christopher Proudfoot's excellent 2011 book "His Master's Gramophone". Chapter nine---pages 239-245.

78 rpm shellac record "Sebben crudele". Beniamino Gigli. HMV D.B.6995. 1st May 1950. Burmese thorn needle.

"Sebben, crudele" (Caldara, edited Parisotti)

Beniamino Gigli. Orchestra conducted by Vito Carnevali.

"Sebben, crudele" (Although, cruel love) is an aria from Antonio Caldara's 1710 opera "La costanza in amor vince l'inganno" (Faithfulness in love conquers treachery).

[pauljames]

What a treasure Graham and it works.. Makes me think about the engineers that sweated over nutting this out to bring music to life in a very different era to now. And my beloved Gigli playing as well, you made my day man!

[HmvgramophonesEu]

Indeed the design and the operation of the arm is very captivating. Thanks for sharing this video. Good to have the opportunity to hear this unique machine.

[fitang]

Excellent sound from this diaphragm, far superior than the conventional vertical pleated diaphragms, pity they did not fully market this model, even had a crystal set to boot, Thanks for posting

[tough]

wow this is a really unique player and it sounds and looks great thank you for sharing this and enjoy it

[jurekpink]

what a pleasure to see such a thing in such a condition - and to hear it !

[bluenote]

incredible, never seen before, thanks to you

[tiga]

Congratulations on owning such a wonderful & unique machine. Delighted to have heard its excellent sound & many thanks for posting.

[thomase]

Incredible machine, and a lovely artsong for it!

[ThesDandy]

A wow indeed ! Is it the one that uses the diaphram as a loudspeaker for radio listening if you put the needle on a sort of connector ?

[nickelodeonmuseum]

It has a crystal detector (cat's whisker type) on the front panel and a two valve battery AF amplifier after it. It drives a sort of inverted earphone mounted by the turntable, so that the needle in the Lumiere holder rests in a slot on the top - very much like the Rhamstine Needlephone in principle, though this pre-dates the Rhamstine by at least 5 years. See my channel for a working Rhamstine Needlephone. This answer on behalf of Graham!

[champignondeParis]

Do you notice a difference in quality from the linear tracking?

[twhuning]

Graham, how does the wireless work? Does it have electronic valves? Is it powered with batteries? Is it a crystal set? The turntable is powered by a hand wound spring, I see.

[petchharrison]

hi what is the recording i would like to get it .. jeff ..