Victrola 10-50 X Orthophonic Changer in NEW ORLEANS

[gramophone78]

Well, $200 for it plus $400 in fuel to go get it is what was invested on this one. From looking at more pictures the seller provided, it was clear something was living in it, and it was possible this was going to be a parts machine. Once there that was confirmed and there had been many species of insects. There must have been 1.5 gallons worth of wood boring insect excretions in the bottom of the machine. Nearly every bit of wood had tiny holes showing evidence of their path, even the horn. One foot was Swiss Cheese from that being the main pathway. I'm seeing this time after time... Store your Victrola on concrete and you will destroy American history. All in all, the 2.5 day trip was worth it for these rare parts it need to help complete my partial machines. Especially stopping half way and picking up a Radiola 30. This is outside my Victor 1925-1929 collection range but is identical to the Victor Hyperion, minus phonograph. My Hyperion is just an empty shorty cabinet. Wish it had legs... Thanks for posting this Craigslist alert.

The one issue you may want to use caution with is....if any of the wood boring insects are still present. Bringing these into a home or even near other machines could be disastrous and $$$$.

[Waynola]

Busted it down there for the sellers dumpster. Took electrical and hardware. The few wooden parts taken got cleaned, wrapped in plastic, and quarantined to my freezer for 30 days, just to make sure no hitchhikers came home with me.

[victorIIvictor]

A couple of questions from a novice collector:

Waynola wrote, "I'm seeing this time after time... Store your Victrola on concrete and you will destroy American history."

What is it about storing wood furniture on concrete that attracts wood-boring insects?

Do you know specifically what insects these were? Termites?

If one puts plastic or rubber furniture glides between the furniture's feet and the concrete floor, will that eliminate the problem?

I know this thread is about a Victrola, so saving "[US] American history" is the relevant choice of words, but do these concerns also apply to wooden furniture stored on concrete in other parts of the world? Or are the wood boring insects attracted to wooden furniture stored on concrete floors limited in their range to North America?

Thank you, Mark

[Edisone]

[quote="Waynola"]