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Picked up my Victor VTLA yesterday with the original record storage boxes. I bought this in February from a Goodwill store in Los Angeles (http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 14&t=33982) and a local phonograph collector picked it up for me and has been storing it since then. He brought it to the APS show and another collector (Jerry B.) brought it up north for me. The phonograph community is pretty cool! Big THANKS to Jerry B. and Jim C. for their help!

This is a pretty cool machine. It came with a full set of original record storage boxes, 6-10" and 4-12".

The serial number is 12598A, has to be one of the very last VTLA designated machines, maybe it is the last one..?? Does anyone know of any later numbered VTLA's? It was right about this time that the designation was changed to VV-XVI.

The cabinet is in good condition, could use a clean and polish. The motor needs a rebuild, can't wait to get started on that. The record storage boxes are really nice except for the 'A' box. It looks like someone forced it open and damaged the flap.

Here are some pictures.

Very Nice Machine, Great to get nice looking original boxes.
I agree, we do have a fantastic phonograph group!
Jerry and others have helped me more than a few times in the past.

Congratulations,

Bob S.

Wow, Chuck it's been a really good year for you -- congratulations on acquiring a wonderful complete VTLA!

Best,
Fran

Interesting feature of this machine is the ID info, VTLA 12598 A

The references I've seen imply the VTLA designation was replaced with VV-XVI and the suffix A was added to the serial number at the same time, however, this ID plate shows the A suffix coupled with the VTLA designation, so there was apparently some overlapping. Also, this serial number might be the very last VTLA. Are there any higher numbered VTLA designated machines?

Cliff

A very nice VTLA, Cliff! Could someone enlighten me as to why they manufactured some of these machines with access to the back of the cabinet via the hinged door? Was it done pro forma at the time as access for the machines having electric motors? Please & thank you!

~ Charlie

CharliePhono wrote:A very nice VTLA, Cliff! Could someone enlighten me as to why they manufactured some of these machines with access to the back of the cabinet via the hinged door? Was it done pro forma at the time as access for the machines having electric motors? Please & thank you!

~ Charlie

I'm no authority, but I've observed that the earlier internal horn Victrolas seemed to have these back access panels. Later machines, even of the same model, did not. I don't think it was related to electric motors.

But, I could be wrong...

Cliff

Must have been taken care of. The boxes are all in good condition, including the pull rings. Looks like you need a knob. Be sure to post some pictures after you have cleaned up the cabinet. Congrats!

CharliePhono wrote: Could someone enlighten me as to why they manufactured some of these machines with access to the back of the cabinet via the hinged door? Was it done pro forma at the time as access for the machines having electric motors? Please & thank you!

~ Charlie

The rear door seems to have been a feature of many uprights prior to the mid-teens. Early Victrolas of several models had them, as did Edison Amberolas Ia, Ib, III, and Edison Disc Phonographs of the A-series. This clearly had nothing to do with electric motors, but the real purpose escapes me.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:

CharliePhono wrote: Could someone enlighten me as to why they manufactured some of these machines with access to the back of the cabinet via the hinged door? Was it done pro forma at the time as access for the machines having electric motors? Please & thank you!

~ Charlie

The rear door seems to have been a feature of many uprights prior to the mid-teens. Early Victrolas of several models had them, as did Edison Amberolas Ia, Ib, III, and Edison Disc Phonographs of the A-series. This clearly had nothing to do with electric motors, but the real purpose escapes me.

George P.

I thought it was for shoveling out the hamster waste...

Might have been a secret compartment to store your valuables or liquor.