A Nice Victor Find

[Dave D]

Question: Is that a Vic II, and is a Vic II the same thing as a Humpback?

It is a Victor II, but it is a later version, not the humpback. Note the slip in elbow, used later than the other style.
Dave

[Dave D]

Dave,
I agree with what everyone else has said, the machine and horn look great as is.

If you want to clean it a little more, because maybe something is there that is not showing

in the photos, we have had great luck with Kramers Antique Improver. This is an all natural product

available at most antique malls. I think it is also available on line.

It actually goes through original shellac without harming and puts oils back into the wood, will not hurt the finish and cleans more than gojo or goop.

Brice Paris told us about this at Union several years ago and we have used it ever since, great product.


I have always been afraid to try that stuff. I actually bought a bottle and never felt comfortable using it. Do you have any before and after photos? Is the improvement only temporary?
All the best, David & Lerria

[jboger]

Really, really nice.

So, as good a place to make this comment as anywhere: Several weeks ago some friends visited. They brought their teenage daughter along who is checking out colleges (the purpose of the trip). When I got home from work. my wife and our friends were sitting in the living room. Their daughter was fascinated by the Standard Model A I have in the living room. She had never seen an external horn talking machine before, but she knew what it was. When I asked her if she wanted to hear it, she jumped at the opportunity, as did her father, an engineer. Although I set the needle down on the record, she cranked it up and moved the direction of the horn around.

I tell this story because, I believe, machines like yours have an instantaneous appeal to everyone. How can anyone not like cranking up one of these babies and have the sound emerge from the horn?

Thanks for pointing out the difference between a later and an earlier machine.

[phonolady]

Dave,
Sorry, I do not have before and after pictures. Kramer's is not a permanent finish like spraying
on varnish or something. It mostly cleans and rejuvenates the surface.
Take a paper towel and rub some on any surface you think has grime and you will see it come off on the paper towel.
All the best,
David & Lerria

[schallplatte]

Beautiful machine. Original finish looks splendid. Really nice find.