The two types of Victor VV-50 portables

[Retrograde]

The VDB shows 4 variations. One subtle difference being a change to the lid support. Since these were produced for 5 or 6 years with only four variation shows that Victor must have been pretty satisfied with the design. And with sales of around 152600 units, the customers were pretty happy too!

[alang]

Unfortunately the VDB shows the exact same picture for the first three styles, so the changed location of the crank escutcheon was new information for me.

Thanks for the informative thread.
Andreas

[phonojim]

The VDB, unfortunately, does not show as much detail as it could in some cases. The one shown on the left in my photo is the earlier style. The serial number is 26288 which places it in the very first design (no type number). This type ran to serial #44614. Then came the type A with serial numbers between 447000 and 52699 which incorporated the new lid support. The type B ran from serial #52800 to 83866. My serial number 77537 falls into this group. The changes for the type B given in the VDB are a change to the winding gears, which necessitated moving the crank escutcheon, a change in the motorboard support brackets which is obvious when comparing my two and the change to the horn. These horns are cast aluminum and in the early version, the mouth of the horn was curved upward to the opening at the rear of the motorboard, the horn being all metal up to approximately the level of the motorboard. The subsequent version had the metal horn cut off at the back edge of the motorboard and a curved wood block installed to direct the sound up and out. There is no sign of the curved wood block ever having been in the case with the earlier s/n.
Note: the VDB refers to the horn as "aluminum" for the first three types and "aluminum and wood" for the last two.
I hope this helps. It would be far easier if my earlier example was more than an empty cabinet.

Jim

[jboger]

My early front-wind VV-50 has serial number 32265. It's mahogany, but you would not know that because the shellac has completely blackened. So much so that not any grain or color of the underlying wood was visible. I have removed the shellac. The horn and motor have been pulled. If photos are desired, let me know.

[phonojim]

That serial number places yours in the first type. I would very much appreciate it if you could post a photo or two showing the horn outlet. That would prove or disprove my point about the two horn types...to myself as well, since I can't remember where I've seen one like that. Also, if anyone would be willing to post a picture of the motor used in the type C (side crank) I would appreciate it.
Note: I will be editing my last post. I reread it this morning and realized that I had written type C instead of B. This subject is confusing enough without mistakes.

Jim

[mikejk]

Here are a few pics of my VV-50 with the full aluminum horn and sound box clip on the rear right side of turntable. serial #45,386
Mike

[mattrx]

I'll have to check my VV 50 when I get home Sunday. Mine has the all aluminum horn that extends up to the motor board. It does NOT have the needle holder like the one Mike just posted. I have always thought the longer aluminum horn machines did not come with the needle holders. Mike's crank holder brackets are located where one would expect if the needle holder were there originally. Seems odd to me.

[jboger]

Three photos are attached of my VV-50 with serial number 32265.

[mattrx]

Here are a couple of pics of my early VV-50. Another thing I noticed in comparison of the 3 versions is that the latest version has the latch inverted as compared to the early versions. Mine does not have the needle box or the record holding clip and seems to differ from Mike's.

Mike, does yours have the retaining clip for the reproducer? I do not see one in the photos. This may be another difference.

I took these with my iPhone. For some reason, they are rotated, they were not taken with this orientation-sorry.

Matt

[gramophone78]

Here are a couple of pics of my early VV-50. Another thing I noticed in comparison of the 3 versions is that the latest version has the latch inverted as compared to the early versions. Mine does not have the needle box or the record holding clip and seems to differ from Mike's.

Mike, does yours have the retaining clip for the reproducer? I do not see one in the photos. This may be another difference.

I took these with my iPhone. For some reason, they are rotated, they were not taken with this orientation-sorry.

Matt

Matt, serial #2598 is very early. I haven't seen a four digit number in years. Does anyone have a three digit..??. I remember years ago seeing an oak 50 with serial #3115 down in Mexico. It was $150 and I passed. I should have bought it.