New (To Me) VE 8-35X

[mattrx]

This summer was a great summer for phonographs, at least for me. I got to enjoy Union for the first time, came home and found a VV-XVIII immediately afterwards, and then a month later I found this VE 8-35X. I already had a nice original 8-35, but without the albums and with a small defect in the original grill cloth.

My family and I live near Memphis, TN. My parents live a few hours away, but will pick up a machine in central TN for me on occasion, and will also send me adds. The adds are usually for C-150's or partial Sonoras or other off brand machines, as many adds are. This time there was a machine for sale in my small home town of less than 5,000 people with very little description and no pictures. When I called, it turned out to be this original 8-35 with original albums. There is essentially no scratches, lifted veneer, gouges or blemishes on the 8-35. This machine had been purchased new in '28 by the seller's grandmother when the family lived in Northeast Arkansas, then moved to Memphis, TN in the early 30's, then finally to my home town 4.5hrs away after 2000. The seller wrote out the history of the machine for me, and with the help of a friend and forum member, I was able to go for a family visit and pick up this traveling 8-35. The seller had kept it under blankets for quite a few years and we could not believe how nice everything about it was when we picked it up.

The records have been removed from the albums and stored in a separate box, labeled with their origin, and will eventually be sold with the machine (MANY years from now). The original owner's manual, the packing brace that held the tone arm in place, the Victor oil, and a handful of other goodies were with the machine as well. I thought of posting the seller's history of the machine, but thought that might be too much to expect folks to read in this thread. Enjoy the pics, wish I had a better camera...

[phonogal]

Very nice find. It makes it even better when you have the history of the machine.

[Garret]

That's the way to find them. Congrats!

[mattrx]

The grandson said his mom was one of twin girls. He said that his grandmother bought the machine so that when boys wanted the girls to go dancing, they had to do it at her house where she could keep an eye on them. Maybe a common practice back then? This machine was on Evergreen St. in Memphis for about 70 years. I drove this street many times when I was in college here. Interesting, at least to me, that I drove past this machine many times while in school and came to own it 25 years later after finding it 250 miles away in my own home town.

[FloridaClay]

A very nice find, and good that it is in a place where it will be honored and cared for.

Clay

[barnettrp21122]

Very nice find, with such a good story too! The metal-horn models sound great when using bamboo or cactus needles. The electric motor is nice for extended playing sessions. Thanks for posting!
Bob

[phonogfp]

A great machine and a wonderful story.

Every time I see one of these (especially an 8-35X), I feel a twinge of regret for selling mine. I really liked the light!

Congratulations - -

George P.

[fran604g]

Congratulations, Matt, for finding a wonderful addition to your collection.

Best,
Fran

[gemering]

Matt,

Great machine and great story.
I'm glad the 8-35 is now with you.

Gene

[emerson]

Can only repeat what everyone else has said and add---what is meant to be is meant to be.