Hi - I have just purchased a 1950s gramophone off Ebay but the plug has been removed. There are three wires, all coloured brown, how can I find out which is live, neutral and earth. Thank you

Hello Jonathan

Only one way to find out : open the unit and see where each wire is going too.
Most probably one wire goes to earth, and two go to a transformer (either direct or via an on-off switch).

You need a multimeter to measure continuity.
Better still : just replace the supply cable with a new multicolor one, to prevent future "mistakes". It could save your life.

Good luck with your gramophone !

:>)