A New Find--- "in the wild"
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2018 3:53 pm
The post about the Radio Bonfire comes at a great time for me. We collectors are always thankful when we find things that could have been discarded, but were kept around for no apparent reason.
Late last week a gentleman who I've done work for, told me about a machine he had seen. It was in an old warehouse-type building, in a corner, used as a display piece for the past 50+ years. It was less than 40 minutes from my home.
On Monday I made the short trip and brought home the first and only VV-XVIII I've ever had in 42 years of collecting. And to put it way over the top- It's a VE-XVIII in Circassian Walnut. I've included a few pics after the initial clean up I did.
It needs a good bit of work. There are three dime-to-nickle size veneer chips and the motor feels a bit rough when I turn the shaft by hand. In addition, the top of the lid had suffered some water damage-- not buckled, but the finish is roughed up. The turntable is not correct and the tonearm gold is pretty poor--but I have a nice one in my parts piles. It came with a late "RCA" era Orthophonic Reproducer. I have a few gold Exhibitions so I'll take care of that right away.
I look forward to doing the things I can do-- and I'm sure I will be reaching out on the forum to find members who are familiar with the Universal Motor and the resistor set up. I plan to take my time and enjoy the process. If anyone has any mechanical or finishing tips, my ears are wide open.
Thanks-
Brad Abell
Late last week a gentleman who I've done work for, told me about a machine he had seen. It was in an old warehouse-type building, in a corner, used as a display piece for the past 50+ years. It was less than 40 minutes from my home.
On Monday I made the short trip and brought home the first and only VV-XVIII I've ever had in 42 years of collecting. And to put it way over the top- It's a VE-XVIII in Circassian Walnut. I've included a few pics after the initial clean up I did.
It needs a good bit of work. There are three dime-to-nickle size veneer chips and the motor feels a bit rough when I turn the shaft by hand. In addition, the top of the lid had suffered some water damage-- not buckled, but the finish is roughed up. The turntable is not correct and the tonearm gold is pretty poor--but I have a nice one in my parts piles. It came with a late "RCA" era Orthophonic Reproducer. I have a few gold Exhibitions so I'll take care of that right away.
I look forward to doing the things I can do-- and I'm sure I will be reaching out on the forum to find members who are familiar with the Universal Motor and the resistor set up. I plan to take my time and enjoy the process. If anyone has any mechanical or finishing tips, my ears are wide open.
Thanks-
Brad Abell
I'll find out when I dig a little deeper.