A charming 1930s era Decca Model 130 portable gramophone. Admittedly not very portable by today's standards, this is the kind of thing that would have been taken along to family picnics in its day! Here it is shown (click here) playing 'Nice People' by the British comedy and singing double act, Bud Flanagan and Chesney Allen. Their performance starts with an exchange between a door-to-door seller of vacuum cleaners and a family that has good manners, but is poor. The lyrics are all about the importance of character over material possessions - and the value of maintaining dignity and positivity, even in the face of financial struggles.

As shown in the photographs, Decca's 130 gramophone was manufactured in a stylish black finish with contrasting chrome-plated components and a polished wooden deck, fast/slow adjustment, automatic start and brake mechanism, a container for storing needles and detachable cranked winding handle, all housed within a smart black Rexine-covered case. It is still playing well, with considerable volume and surprisingly good sound quality.

It measures 42cm x 29cm x 20cm, with case closed. Note that this gramophone is suitable only for playing Shellac records, at 78rpm, and not for later vinyl records.

Condition: The chrome components are largely in good condition, with just a few marks, minor tarnishing and localised bubbling beneath the polished surface. Both the tone arm and soundbox are very good, again with minor tarnishing. The turntable is excellent, with original felt. All controls are functioning correctly, including the automatic brake. The black rexine-covered case is mostly in very good order with only minor separation to the left hand side. There is light surface rust to the catches and corner pieces, as illustrated. The carrying handle is absent. The record is included in the sale. It has normal wear consistent with age and use, and comes with a nice period sleeve. As shown in the video clip, this gramophone plays very well indeed and sounds fabulous, though because of its age is sold as seen and without warranty.

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