r/Phonographs • u/Gimme-A-kooky Victrola • Aug 16 '26

Machine TIL

https://www.rct.uk/collection/stories/queen-marys-dolls-house/gramophone

I never knew until today. Wow. Fully functional @100 rpm on pictured HMV Gramophone (1924, looks like the VV-XVII/XVIII equivalent, obviously fit for a queen).

The whole story is cool. Wow. Google and you’ll find vids of the records being played!

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u/Sea_Enthusiasm_3193 Aug 16 '26

I had heard about this, never seen a photo of it though. Need to see the rest of the dollhouse in situ to get an idea of the size really. Great stuff!

2

u/Gimme-A-kooky Victrola Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26

It’s funny, I’ve SCOURED the internet, and so far I’ve only found a video of a dude playing a copy on a modern turntable with a 45rpm adapter and 100rpm… it’s awesome lol… but NOWHERE can I find it in situ within the “Day Nursery”…

Granted, this is Their Majesties’ (EDIT- my bad- yrh is for other members of the royal family) personal item, but I think they may be very particular about its display on the web… seems like they’ve locked it down pretty well with copyrights and trademarks… for very good reason, I’m sure… but also to attract tourism lol…

I was also thinking, while there are many pics out there OF the dollhouse and various rooms, I’ve never seen one with the Day Nursery IN it, and I also believe this may be intentional as the King himself said he ‘hated them’, so perhaps it’s an honor thing to honor his wishes?