> > From: "Robert Wright" > > > "Only rule I can think of is never trust the original handle!" AMEN! I've learned that lesson the hard way..twice. Ron L. saved me once. I have a Columbia 163 very similar to the 161. It is a fantastic portable. But I think my favorite is my HMV 101 what an amazing phonograph. I'm hoping the D-G machine will sound as good. I have heard from a few collector that many of the later forties era portables are not worth picking up. Although Birches seem to sell pretty well on E-Bay. Regards, J.