Dating a vintage microphone

[Jackiekaren]

Hello

I'm new to this forum, so apologies if this is in the wrong place.

I collect vintage microphones and I've just won a Grampian MCR on eBay. I have the serial number and was wondering of there is a way of getting the manufacture date for this specific microphone?

I believe they were made between the mid 30s and 40s, but would like a more specific date.

Thanks in advance (hopefully!)

Jackie

[pmmunro]

Please show us a photograph; that may make identification much easier.

PMM

[Edward Huggins]

Maybe some of the Members who contribute to the "Tape Recorders" Section might know?

[Jonster]

These were a PA type microphone as a opposed to a recording type. I used to own a few of them, I reckon your estimate of the date is about right. I doubt the serial number database exists any more as Grampian have long since disappeared!

[Jackiekaren]

Thanks all.

Yes, Jonster, I thought that might be the case..

Here are a couple of pics anyway. The serial number is much lower than some of the others on eBay, so I thought it would at least be 1930s.

[Hartley118]

Welcome to the Forum Jackie.

I guess that this is the microphone in question http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/grampian_mcr.html

It's moving coil and I believe that manufacture of this model started in the mid-1930s, so a relatively early Grampian product. In common with most PA mikes of the period, their diaphragm size made them relatively directional at high frequencies, helping to reduce acoustic feedback.

That quintessential spring suspension was helpful in reducing vibration transmitted from the mike stand.

Martin

[Jackiekaren]

Thanks Martin

Yes, that's the one. I guess I'll just have to be happy with mid 30s!

It's still in working order, I just need to get some leads for it. That's pretty amazing!