We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.

Read our Statement of Reflection

Your Cart

Your cart is empty right now...

Discover what's on
Your Stuff
Lists
No lists found
Create list
List name
0 Saved items
Updated: a few seconds ago
Getting Started
Get started with Your Stuff

A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, list and share your favourite collection items and articles. This account will give you access to Your Stuff, NFSA Player and Pro. You will need to create an additional account for Canberra event tickets.

Confirm
Skip to main content
National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

His Master's Voice gramophone needle tins

1925

His Master's Voice gramophone needle tins

1925

  • NFSA IDH61X2481
  • TypeDocumentation
  • MediumDocumentation
  • FormMemorabilia
  • Year1925

Needle tins were the unsung heroes of early gramophone culture, designed to hold the steel needles that brought those crackly old shellac records to life. Packed with anywhere from 100 to 200 needles, most needles were one-and-done, but a few could stick around for a handful of spins. While standard practice at the time, their expendability seems wasteful by today's standards. The needles came in Soft, Medium, Loud and Extra Loud, each claiming to offer a different auditory experience for listeners. This particular tin was made by the Gramophone Company, the British parent of the legendary His Master’s Voice label. The iconic logo, featuring Nipper the dog leaning in to listen to the music, has become one of the most enduring images in music history. The illustration transforms this tin from a utilitarian object into a visually charming reminder of a forgotten aspect of gramophone ownership.

Needle tins were the unsung heroes of early gramophone culture, designed to hold the steel needles that brought those crackly old shellac records to life. Packed with anywhere from 100 to 200 needles, most needles were one-and-done, but a few could stick around for a handful of spins. While standard practice at the time, their expendability seems wasteful by today's standards. The needles came in Soft, Medium, Loud and Extra Loud, each claiming to offer a different auditory experience for listeners. This particular tin was made by the Gramophone Company, the British parent of the legendary His Master’s Voice label. The iconic logo, featuring Nipper the dog leaning in to listen to the music, has become one of the most enduring images in music history. The illustration transforms this tin from a utilitarian object into a visually charming reminder of a forgotten aspect of gramophone ownership.

Decades
    Decades
    Industry professional? Go Pro

    Need to license this item? A/V professionals and researchers can shortlist licensing enquiries via our NFSA Pro catalogue search and membership.

    Get started with PRO

    Collections to explore

    • 1920s

    • 2000s

    • 1990s

    • Start your own collection

      A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, organise and share your favourite videos, audio and stories.

    More in Stories+

    Personalized your experience

    Save, create and share

    With NFSA Your Stuff