u/Apprehensive_Cup5112

In a sort of follow-up from my last post, I took the leap and got my first gramophone -- a portable Decca 120. It arrived yesterday and I spent the evening inspecting it, through this I had some observations and questions.

Firstly, it works (at least to my knowledge)! I am just waiting on some needles to arrive to properly test my shellacs on it.

I believe it is missing the 'dust cover' over the crank. It appears to have the hooks for holding records in the lid, although not sure if there is meant to be another part. The cover is in decent condition, there appears to be some small holes (cigarette burns?) on some of it.

The songster sound-box seems to have seen better days though; dented and the rubber looks solid (see photos), so, I want to find an alternative. On that note, what sound-boxes work well with the Decca 120 and how are they supposed to fit? What are the differences between the various models of sound-boxes?

Also, I generally want advice on how to clean, maintain and restore the Decca. How do I care for the cover? What's the best way to clean the gramophone?

This would be my first foray into gramophones. I have a collection of older shellacs and my modern turntable doesn't play 78s.

I'm thinking of buying the Decca 120 for £50 in the photos attached. It's advertised online and the images attached are the ones the seller has provided. I have requested a video of it playing which appears to show it performing well (albeit low resolution sent over text). They've stated it's not been serviced, but functions.

Would appreciate thoughts as to whether this is worth the price and if there is any other information I should ask from the seller. Also, if anyone has any advice on how to pinpoint the year of manufacture that would be great (I believe production of this model was between late '20s and early/mid '30s).

Thanks!