c.1930s His Master's Voice 'Half Tone' Gramophone Needle Tin

An original His Master's Voice 'Half Tone' gramophone needle tin containing approximately 200 steel needles, produced by The Gramophone Company Ltd. during the early twentieth century.

This original His Master's Voice (HMV) gramophone needle tin is an excellent example of the consumable accessories once essential for acoustic and early electric gramophones.

The colourful lid features the famous 'Nipper' dog listening to agramophone, one of the world's most recognisable trademarks, together with the words 'Half Tone' and 'Picture Copyright'. The reverse of the tin is stamped 'Approximateley 200 English Gramophone Needles' and 'The Gramophone Company Limited'.

Inside the lid are instructions advising that each needle should only be used for one record side, helping to protect both the record and sound quality. Steel gramophone needles were manufactured in a range of tones including Loud, Medium, Soft and Half Tone, each producing a different playback volume. They were intended to be replaced after every record side because the tip wore rapidly during use.

The Gramophone Company Ltd. adopted the famous His Master's Voice trademark in the early twentieth century and sold gramophones and accessories throughout Britain and the Commonwealth. Original tins containing their needles remain highly collectable today.

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Features

Measurements: 40× 30 × 15 mm.

Condition: Very Good vintage condition with original needles remaining inside. The tin displays honest wear and paint loss consistent with age and use.

Markings: Approximateley 200 English Gramophone Needles, The Gramophone Company Limited, HalfTone and Picture Copyright.

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Metal has played a significant role in the history of dolls and toys, with materials like cast iron, tin, and brass being used for centuries to create durable and appealing playthings. Each type of metal has distinct characteristics that have influenced its application in the toy industry, leading to a variety of designs and styles.

Cast Iron

Cast iron was one of the first metals used in toy manufacturing, particularly during the 19th century. Its strength and durability made it ideal for creating toys that could withstand the rigors of play. Cast iron toys were often made using molds, allowing for mass production and the creation of intricate designs. Popular cast iron toys included figurines, toy cars, and trains, many of which featured detailed craftsmanship and decorative paintwork. These toys were not only popular with children but also became collectible items over time, cherished for their historical significance and nostalgic appeal.

Tin

Tin, often used in the form of tinplate, became a favored material for toy manufacturing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tin toys were lightweight, affordable, and could be produced in large quantities, making them accessible to a wide audience. Tinplate was often stamped or lithographed with colorful designs, bringing characters and scenes to life. Classic examples of tin toys include wind-up cars, robots, and playful animals, many of which featured moving parts that delighted children. Tin toys remain popular among collectors today, valued for their charm and the artistry involved in their design.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, has been used in toy making for its attractive appearance and durability. It is particularly well-suited for creating smaller components, such as gears and mechanisms in wind-up toys. The shiny, golden hue of brass gives toys a sense of elegance and sophistication, often seen in decorative pieces and collectibles. While brass dolls are less common than those made from other materials, some artisans have crafted beautiful dolls with brass accents, adding a touch of luxury to their designs.

Throughout history, the use of metal in dolls and toys has allowed for a diverse range of creations, each reflecting the technological advancements and artistic trends of their time. The durability of metal ensures that many of these toys have stood the test of time, allowing them to be enjoyed by new generations of children and collectors alike.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of metal dolls and toys, highlighting their role in the evolution of play and the craftsmanship that goes into creating these timeless treasures. From the strength of cast iron to the whimsical designs of tin and the elegance of brass, these materials tell a rich story of creativity and innovation in the world of toys.

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Country:

England

England has a long and distinguished history of toy-making, from the grand Victorian dollhouses of the 19th century to the enduring charm of Merrythought teddy bears. The country became a hub for innovative toy production, introducing classics like Hornby model trains, Meccano construction sets, and Action Man figures. English toy makers have blended craftsmanship with creativity, producing cherished toys that continue to captivate generations.

Produced by:

The Gramophone Company Ltd

Produced by:

The Gramophone Company Ltd

The Gramophone Company Ltd. was established in London in 1898 to manufacture gramophones, records and accessories using the inventions of Emile Berliner, one of the pioneers of recorded sound. During the early twentieth century, the company became one of the world's leading recording and entertainment businesses, producing gramophones, shellac records and replacement needles under its famous His Master's Voice (HMV) trademark. Its products were sold throughout Britain, Australia and much of the British Empire, making HMV one of the most recognised names in home entertainment. The company's iconic Nipper trademark—depicting a small white terrier listening to a gramophone—became one of the most enduring advertising images of the twentieth century. Alongside gramophones and records, The Gramophone Company manufactured a range of accessories, including steel gramophone needles in various grades such as Loud Tone, Medium Tone, Soft Tone and Half Tone, allowing listeners to adjust playback volume while protecting delicate shellac records. Today, HMV tins, gramophone needles and associated accessories are highly collectible reminders of the golden age of mechanical sound reproduction.

Produced by:

The Gramophone Company Ltd

Product Code:

H0035

Dimenions:

15(h)

x 30(w)