Victor Model D Regulator history.

[uncle-jimmy]

I have a zillion questions about the magnificent Victor Model D. The first is about the different regulators that I have seen in photos. What was the timeline of the different versions. I have seen the “bread and butter” oval plate with thumbscrew style like many models used, and I have seen one with a small round nickel plate with a wire that sticks out forward that looks like it is supposed to range from 60 RPM to 78RPM. Then there is a later one with the big round plate with the arrow that seems to have taken over around the time of the name name change to Model V.

Then there is the question of the very first model D’s using Rigid Arm before quickly changing to,Taper Arm. I have seen reports on very reputable Victor history websites that very matter of factly state that there definitely were Rigid Arm Model D’s for a couple of months before quickly changing to Taper Arms. Has anyone out there ever actually seen a legitimate Model D Rigid arm machine in person?
Thanks.
Jim

[Django]

My “D” is serial number 4552 and had the two position “Deluxe” speed control, (I suppose that the Deluxe designation comes from Victor’s 60 rpm, 14” Deluxe records). The numbers on my control are actually 60 and 76 rather than 78.

Assuming that the serial numbers are sequential, if yours is higher or lower would it could tell us if the Deluxe speed control was a later or earlier variant. Either way, congratulations on owning a Victor D.

If you would, please share some pictures and the serial number. Thanks

[Phono-Phan]

Great topic. I have never heard of a rigid arm D but would love to see one if it exists. Also, the tapered arm R. I have seen the "Remove This Plate To
Attach Tapered Arm" on Victor Rs but never seen an example of it. Here are my two Victor D models. The first one is a very early serial number and still have the record hold down spindle. The later D has what I believe is an after market speed control.

[uncle-jimmy]

Here are my ID Plate and my Speed Regulator.

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[uncle-jimmy]

My “D” is serial number 4552 and had the two position “Deluxe” speed control, (I suppose that the Deluxe designation comes from Victor’s 60 rpm, 14” Deluxe records). The numbers on my control are actually 60 and 76 rather than 78.

Assuming that the serial numbers are sequential, if yours is higher or lower would it could tell us if the Deluxe speed control was a later or earlier variant. Either way, congratulations on owning a Victor D.

If you would, please share some pictures and the serial number. Thanks

Django,
It doesn’t look like we’ll be getting much of a Timeline for the “Deluxe” regulator ,
from our Serial numbers. ( mine is # 4412 ) . I bet the two were probably shipped within about 10 days apart…
Jim

[Django]

Phono-Phan’s is #236 and has the same speed control, (backwards and missing the arm), so it looks like they had that speed control at least from #236 through #4552.

[uncle-jimmy]

You are right. That is a pretty healthy stretch of Model D’s.
It makes you think how dedicated Corporate Victor was to the potential of the 14 inch diameter record , that they would actually incorporate a special speed control into the design of their new Big Baby Blockbuster Model D. I read somewhere …. probably on this forum…… that the Model D and subsequently the Model V weren’t just a bigger player …. But a Real concerted effort to make Talking Machines into serious instruments of Music appreciation far beyond just the new gimmick product sweeping the world. When you think that it was still just 1903…… It must have been a mighty big disappointment that the 14 inch record just didn’t make it. I know you guys out there know just what went wrong….but obviously they abandoned the special speed control at some point.

[daverob]

Sorry. Not D Phonograph related... But

Great topic. I have never heard of a rigid arm D but would love to see one if it exists. Also, the tapered arm R. I have seen the "Remove To
Attach Tapered Arm" on Victor Rs but never seen an example of it. Here are my two Victor D models. The first one is a very early serial number and still have the record hold down spindle. The later D has what I believe is an after market speed control.

Because I'm working on my Rs this month, I thought I'd investigate your comment.

I did find a "remove to attach taper arm" plate R.

This one didn't come with a taper arm though (I mean, if it had, I'm not sure the plate would still have been there).

But it did have the standard square counterplate for rear mount machines inside (I realize that might have been an after market addition.)

On first glance, the R appears to have the bracket mount higher than other small models because the base molding is taller.

I thought I'd put the smallest bracket I have on there anyway. It's from this machine:

(cattywampus pics rotate after enlargement)

So... The smallest taper arm and bracket comes to the tip of the R center spindle,

but it looks a bit iffy when dropped to the record surface.

Noone would play a record like that, would they?

Finally, I thought it was interesting that the notice on the bottom of the R was for second hand machine special license.

Ps. Yes the bracket was attached to the LOWER pair of holes.
Pps. No, I don't have a special extra thick 7 inch cast turntable I could substitute.
Ppps. Maybe I'll try playing one of my 78s that I think is awesome jazz until a shrill disneyesque vocal intrudes to ruin it.