Historical information

This tin of gramophone needles was produced to be used in conjunction with a Decca Gramophone. The Decca company was founded in 1914 by Barnett Samuel and Sons and their gramophone as patented as the world’s first portable gramophone. The company became known as the Decca Gramophone Company in 1928. Portable gramophones became very popular, especially with the soldiers in World War One. Today the gramophone is largely a collector’s item and has been replaced by more sophisticated sound systems.

Significance

These needles and their box are of interest as an example of a recreation product in the past. Gramophones were found extensively in homes up to the 1950s.

Physical description

This is a small rectangular-shaped tin with rounded edges. It has a hinged lid painted green on the top. The top has printed material in green, black and white lettering. Inside the tin is black paper lining and inside the lining are about 50 gramophone steel needles. This is not a full tin. The needles are in good condition but the tin is a little rusty

Inscriptions & markings

‘Decca Soft Gramophone Needles Finest Sheffield Steel Use Once Only’