The Decca Junior was one of the portable phonographs produced during the era when this now world-famous company was just beginning to focus on recording and publishing music. Before that, Decca was known for manufacturing turntables and accessories—and doing it exceptionally well.
Portable models like the Decca Junior were particularly popular among soldiers during World War II. With a built-in reflective soundboard integrated into the lid, it was designed for maximum compactness, making it easy to store and transport. The most beloved model was the "Trench," a suitcase-style phonograph that soldiers carried with them to the front lines.
By this time, Decca had already begun expanding its recording catalog, and in 1934, it founded its U.S. subsidiary—an important step that later helped it become one of the "Big Four" record companies alongside EMI, RCA, and Columbia.
So while Decca Records ultimately gained fame as a major music publisher, its legacy also includes phonographs that played a vital role in everyday musical experiences of the past.