Replacing an ID tag

[phonogfp]

From first hand experience, that kind of thing can really mess up somebody trying to study the machines down the road. (Also, if you were a buyer down the road, wouldn't you want to know that the original serial number was missing?) That said, I'd probably do my best to match up a close numbered plate, but I'd make a note of what I did and keep it inside the case. If you do that, Nut cases like me will thank you in future years.

Martin

I agree wholeheartedly with Martin. Sure, Victrola Xs are not high-cost items today, but who knows what might happen in the future? In 30 years if one of every 100 citizens of China or India decides to obtain a genuine Victrola, there wouldn't be enough to go around. In any event, why put the wrong data plate on a machine if an appropriate plate can be obtained?

I have a data plate for a X A, No.440732. Check your Victor Data Book, and if that serial number falls within the range of your X, it's yours - including postage.

George P.

[martinola]

Take any machine you have in your possession and tell me that you know and can prove without a doubt that the tag on your machine is the one that was put on at the factory...

Curt, in the case of post 1901 Edison Standards, it's rather easy as the Edison company put serial numbers in the bedplate both below the patent plate and on the other side of the bedplate hidden by wax under the motor.

Sure, in most cases we can't prove a machine left the factory with certain configurations, but why intentionally muddy the water? We are caretakers, or at least should be.

Regards,
Martin

[Curt A]

Take any machine you have in your possession and tell me that you know and can prove without a doubt that the tag on your machine is the one that was put on at the factory...

Curt, in the case of post 1901 Edison Standards, it's rather easy as the Edison company put serial numbers in the bedplate both below the patent plate and on the other side of the bedplate hidden by wax under the motor.

Sure, in most cases we can't prove a machine left the factory with certain configurations, but why intentionally muddy the water? We are caretakers, or at least should be.

Regards,
Martin

I totally agree...

[GregVTLA]

From first hand experience, that kind of thing can really mess up somebody trying to study the machines down the road. (Also, if you were a buyer down the road, wouldn't you want to know that the original serial number was missing?) That said, I'd probably do my best to match up a close numbered plate, but I'd make a note of what I did and keep it inside the case. If you do that, Nut cases like me will thank you in future years.

Martin

I agree wholeheartedly with Martin. Sure, Victrola Xs are not high-cost items today, but who knows what might happen in the future? In 30 years if one of every 100 citizens of China or India decides to obtain a genuine Victrola, there wouldn't be enough to go around. In any event, why put the wrong data plate on a machine if an appropriate plate can be obtained?

I have a data plate for a X A, No.440732. Check your Victor Data Book, and if that serial number falls within the range of your X, it's yours - including postage.

George P.

That's very generous of you! I'm getting it today, so I'll do my best to date it using the victor-victrola site. Does anyone know how to differentiate the "A" suffix motor vs before?

[phonogfp]

I'm getting it today, so I'll do my best to date it using the victor-victrola site. Does anyone know how to differentiate the "A" suffix motor vs before?

See what you come up with on the Victor-Victrola site. Then, if necessary, take a photo of the motor and another photo of the playing compartment minus the turntable. Post them here; they should provide enough clues for us to figure out which variation it is.

George P.

[phonojim]

Also, if the patent license sticker has a legible date, be sure to include that infomation as well. The sticker might be on the upper back panel, the bottom or inside the record storage section of the machine.

Jim

[GregVTLA]

Well, good news everyone! The original plate is actually there! The picture I saw of it prior to picking it up looked like a pile of dust in place of the plate, but in reality it was a badly oxidized plate! Thanks to everyone who was willing to help replace it. This is a great community indeed!

[gramophone-georg]

Well, good news everyone! The original plate is actually there! The picture I saw of it prior to picking it up looked like a pile of dust in place of the plate, but in reality it was a badly oxidized plate! Thanks to everyone who was willing to help replace it. This is a great community indeed!

Are you telling me that after all the Sturm und Drang you put us through you had the plate all along??? Why, I oughtta...

[GregVTLA]

Well, good news everyone! The original plate is actually there! The picture I saw of it prior to picking it up looked like a pile of dust in place of the plate, but in reality it was a badly oxidized plate! Thanks to everyone who was willing to help replace it. This is a great community indeed!

Are you telling me that after all the Sturm und Drang you put us through you had the plate all along??? Why, I oughtta...

The original image was really bad, and it seriously looked like the plate was gone. Good thing it was there!

[New Yorker]

Well, good news everyone! The original plate is actually there! The picture I saw of it prior to picking it up looked like a pile of dust in place of the plate, but in reality it was a badly oxidized plate! Thanks to everyone who was willing to help replace it. This is a great community indeed!

Are you telling me that after all the Sturm und Drang you put us through you had the plate all along??? Why, I oughtta...

LOL. Not to hijack this thread, but actually, because of it, I will be writing a little note with all pertinent info about my machine and will put it inside for future victrolaphiles.