Saw this custom-finish Vic XVII the other day

[FloridaClay]

Congratulations! Please update this post from time to time as you uncover more of its history.

Clay

[JohnM]

Wes, glad you are happy with it and glad I could 'pick' it for you. I thought it was wonderful, myself. Couldn't see the data plate mounting holes as it was in a window facing the sun and was difficult to look that direction at all, but good to know that it had a 'belly button' at one time, anyway! Perhaps this is the rare 'Brown Poupon' finish?

[antique1973]

Great find, congrats! As a factory art model, its a heck of a deal for sure.

[Skihawx]

OK guys, I just received the XVII just a short while ago. I felt like the Dad in the movie "Christmas Story" when his leg lamp arrived! Seeing this for the first time was TOTALLY worth the luck and all the arranging it took to get this here in the short amount of time that it took. I quickly inspected it inside and out and can definitely say that I truly feel that Victor is responsible for this special finish. It appears that no corners were cut. It is a brownish mustard yellow in color. Decal is definitaly on top of the finish and NOT painted around. I also did find what appears to be four small raised and filled holes where the ID tag was orignally on the machine before the transformation process. It will be a while until I can get started in researching this like I want to, but I will.

Wes

Does it have a paper label inside the left wall of the record compartment?? I'd be really interested
in what it says. I've also seen ID tags moved under the turntable to get them out of site.

[downsouth]

Thanks John, It's funny how things workout sometimes. It had a well worn nickel exhibition reproducer on it so that was one of the first things I changed out. You were right it has been well used, therefore I think this was in some public place where alot of folks sat down to listen to their favorite hits of the time. I don't know if you noticed the condition of the upper sound door knobs, The have the small circular pattern as most did for this model, well the one on the right is worn almost completely smooth with a faint hint of the round design left. As for a paper label, yes it is inside on the left in the lower compartment right where it should be, but it has been sprayed over. I think this was possibly a last minute order where a machine on the line was pulled and decorated for the customer, never the less, it is very interesting indeed. Haven't found the ID tag relocated, but I will look again.

Wes

[Moooperator]

I hear that it arrived by Express Bovine!

[downsouth]

I heard that they had to Moooooove it on out of there with the Jeff Express! Best shipping service in town!

[downsouth]

I've got to talk to a couple experts on this one, In addition to this special finish XVII I have a Columbia P-8 also that is in need of restoration. I definitely need to consult those in the know on these as they are a totally different ballgame.

Wes