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You'll never have to spend on dime on plywood / cardboard "dime-store" portables.
The Reproducers alone are worth grabbing, so long as the pot-metal is not crumbly.
I acquired my first Orthophonic ( VE 8-12 X ) from an estate sale of a great-aunt when I was just out of High-School (1985). I found-out from a distant cousin, that machine had originally belonged to my great-grandmother !
As time went-on, and the internet developed, I discovered that this machine had been re-fitted with a Victor four-spring motor ( probably by a dealer ), as my great-grandmother lived in rural SW Virginia, prior to Rural Electrification.
It was always kept in "the parlor", with the shades drawn, so the original finish is in excellent condition.
I have recently acquired a second 8-12 X, this one with it's original induction motor; just needs a new back-bracket for the taper-tube.
They are a fine-sounding machine, just slightly less bass than the Credenza / 8-30.
The 2-55 portable is about as good a spring-wound portable as anyone ever made. Very sturdy metal case, covered with a layer of batting ( padding ), and heavy leatherette. The usual Victor quality motor, an Orthophonic sound-box ( with a felt "muffler" in the cover, to cut-down on stray high-frequencies & surface noise), an automatic brake, and pocket for storing 10-inch discs.
Of course we want to see pictures of your new treasures !
