01
Iconic HMV Heritage
Displays the famous 'His Master's Voice' trademark and Nipper logo across the fascia and rear panel.
Curio Gallery
01 / 03
01 / 03His Master's Voice Model 5170 Valve Table Radio — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The His Master's Voice Model 5170 is a mid-century tabletop valve radio housed in a substantial wooden cabinet with angled side cheeks and a woven metallic speaker grille. The receiver features a four-band tuning scale covering medium wave and three shortwave bands, complemented by push-button band selection and an upper magic eye tuning indicator. Sockets on the rear chassis enable connection to an external record player, such as the period H.M.V. Sherpa.
02
Magic Eye Indicator
Features a vacuum tuning eye tube mounted directly behind an aperture in the front speaker grille.
03
Comprehensive Multi-Band
Covers Medium Wave alongside three dedicated Shortwave bands for international broadcast reception.
04
Push-Button Selector
Equipped with mechanical push keys for direct band selection, gramophone input, and power switching.
05
Radiogram Conversion
Rear pickup sockets allow direct coupling to external 4-speed record players such as the HMV Sherpa.
06
Dual-Tone Sound Shaping
Features separate continuous rotary controls for bass and treble adjustment beneath the dial.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
The Gramophone Company Ltd.
Origin
United Kingdom / India
Year
1958
Department
audio
Packed shipment
5 kg · 45 × 32 × 30 cm
Model
Model No. 5170
Brand
His Master's Voice (The Gramophone Company Ltd.)
Receiver Type
Superheterodyne table radio receiver
Wave Bands
MW, SW1, SW2, SW3
Tuning Indicator
Magic eye tube display in upper grille
Power Supply
Alternating Current (A.C. Only)
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · His Master's Voice Model 5170 Valve Table Radio — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · His Master's Voice Model 5170 Valve Table Radio — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific His Master's Voice Model 5170 Valve Table Radio; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Tuning Indicator
The All-Seeing Magic Eye
Visible through the gold woven grille in the front photograph, the magic eye tube illuminated to show precise signal alignment, guiding listeners through distant shortwave transmissions with a glowing green target.
System Expansion
Transforming into a Radiogram
The printed card on the rear panel explicitly invites owners to attach an H.M.V. Sherpa player, turning a reliable broadcast tabletop radio into a versatile multi-speed living-room music center.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1899
Adoption of 'His Master's Voice'
The Gramophone Company acquires Francis Barraud's iconic painting of Nipper listening to a phonograph.
1931
Formation of EMI
The Gramophone Company merges with Columbia Graphophone Company, expanding HMV home radio production.
1958
Launch of Model 5170
The Model 5170 valve radio is introduced, featuring shortwave coverage and external radiogram connectivity.
1960
Sherpa Player Integration
HMV actively markets companion units such as the portable 4-speed 'Sherpa' player for plug-in operation.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The wooden cabinet displays edge wear, scuffs, and areas of finish loss along the top and base mouldings, alongside tape residue on the right side panel. The perforated rear fiberboard cover exhibits localized tearing and missing card around the central connection bay. The front woven grille cloth and brass-toned trim remain intact with minor surface patina and oxidation consistent with age.
✓
InspectedCabinet Woodwork
Solid wooden case shows surface scratches, minor edge abrasions, and tape adhesive remnants on the side.
✓
InspectedRear Fiberboard Cover
Presents a torn and fractured opening around the socket cluster, with general surface dust and edge chipping.
✓
InspectedFascia & Grille Cloth
Original woven metal-fiber grille is clean and taut, with the magic eye bezel firmly seated.
✓
InspectedDial & Push Buttons
Dial glass markings and legends remain clear and legible; cream push buttons show light mellowing and dirt buildup.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
His Master's Voice Model 5170 Valve Table Radio