VV-XXV "Schoolhouse" project

Phono-Mark · Post by **Phono-Mark** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 2:39 pm

I have had a gutted Schoolhouse cabinet (otherwise in very nice condition) since 1976. Since having internet access over the past 13 years, I have sought parts for it to complete it. At this point I have a bracket and arm, motor and motorboard, lid, ID tag and horn. I lack the needle tray, elbow, and lid hinges as well as the "deck" that surrounds and supports the motorboard.

All I know about the machine is what I can discern from the case. I know its dimensions and the date on the license notice label underneath the slide. The date is October 8, 1917 and the price is $75. So I can only conclude that it was produced some time after October, 1917 (and very likely within a year or so of that date.) It's designated as a Victrola, not a Victor. Reference to Robert Baumbach's excellent resource "The Victor Data Book" answers some questions but raises others. It appears that it was either a Victrola XXV type M, A or B. The Type M would have used the 2-spring motor with two separate barrels and a "Murray" type speed control, a style 31 horn and the standard size tone arm. The Type A would have the single-barrel, double-spring motor with #5350 screw-type speed control with indicator, style 31 horn and standard tone arm. The Type B would be the same as the Type A but with the wide tone arm and smooth #41 Schoolhouse horn.

The parts I have include an ID tag which is clearly too early; it would be appropriate for a Victor XXV Type A as the serial number is in the 3000s. I also have a wide tone arm and smooth #41 horn and an oak motor board with the single-barrel, double-spring motor with screw-type speed control and indicator. I'm not sure at this point whether the arm, horn and motor are correct for the age of this machine. Of course, the arm and horn are very nice and putting them on would be reversible even if they turned out to be inappropriately late for this cabinet.

Is there anyone else out there with a Schoolhouse that has the same license notice as mine, designated "Victrola XXV - $75" and dated October 8, 1917? What does your machine have in the way of these components (Motor, tone arm, horn?)

And does anyone have spare parts of the sort that I need, namely, the deck which surrounds the motorboard, ID tag, needle tray or lid hinges?

Thanks for any insights!

Zeppy · Post by **Zeppy** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:25 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motor-Mounting-Boar ... 27bd0784a3

Good luck (auction ends in 24 hours)

Phono-Mark · Post by **Phono-Mark** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:01 pm

Yeah, I have been watching that, but it looks like it's been left outside and it is water damaged... it would be better than nothing but not up to par with the rest of the cabinet...

It has a "Murray" style speed control with a motor appropriate for the Model "M." It's one of the things that prompted me to inquire in the first place...

Garret G. · Post by **Garret G.** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:13 pm

If this is the real deal, and right for your machine, you should buy it. Spare parts like these come along far too rarely.

Zeppy · Post by **Zeppy** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:26 am

The seller has relist the item at lower price. At the original price, I might have hesitated, but with a third off, I think it would be worth it to at least see if you can re-stain and refinish the parts to match. There appears to be some water damage, but not it doesn't look that serious. It may be a very long time before you get another chance to get most of the parts you're looking for (particularly the deck and data plate...the data plate alone almost makes it worth the price).

Phono-Mark · Post by **Phono-Mark** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:00 pm

Yes, Zeppy - could not agree more. The original photos did not show the data plate nor the true condition. I had messaged the seller and asked for better pictures, which I did not receive. Had I known then...