New member regarding my VV-XVIII

[Jerry B.]

I have quite a few refinished pieces in my collection. I did most of the refinishing and did so only because the original finish was beyond saving and seriously detracted from the appearance. I would like to think that's the case with your XVIII. It is simply part of the history of that Victrola. It's a lovely machine and the finest production model Victrola of that time.
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I find it very interesting how collectors feel about a refinished piece. I have several friends that collect music boxes and phonographs. They seem much more receptive and many times prefer a nicely refinished phonograph over one with an original finish. At Union it seems like most of the music boxes have been refinished. Most phonograph collectors like an original finish. It's like each hobby has a different threshold for requiring refinishing.
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Jerry Blais

[jeff spicoli]

Jerry B. what is "Union"??

[kirtley2012]

Jerry B. what is "Union"??

It is an emmense gathering of collectors and sale of machines, there should be pictures on this forum somewhere

[beaumonde]

Once at year (second weekend in June), in Union, IL (near Elgin), the Donley's Wild West Town hosts a large phonograph and music box show. Since you are only downstate a bit, it should be an easy drive for you. See: http://www.wildwesttown.com/nav/phonograph.html

[jeff spicoli]

ahhh I see now....I just Googled it and it's in Illinois......only 230 miles north from me

[Jerry B.]

Yes, Union is in Illinois between Rochford and Chicago. It's the biggest and best phonograph sale in the country and it's held the second weekend in June. It's in your backyard! It's so good I drive from Albany, Oregon to attend. It's 2500 miles from my driveway to the parking lot at Union. I drive to Union and pull a covered utility trailer. I usually haul for six to eight collectors that attend the show. Most of them fly and I drive and we all share in the fuel expense. Now that you know about Union, you must attend. I'd by happy to answer any questions you might have. Jerry Blais

[jeff spicoli]

Here are some pictures of the inside

[gramophone78]

Collin, these interior photos confirm a refinished cabinet. You can see some of the original finish under the Victrola label. Someone went to a lot of work to do the inside and out. It seems they did leave the record storage compartment original. However, the inner part of the doors were striped.
Still, as others have stated.....a very clean and beautiful machine to own.
Congrats!!!.

[jeff spicoli]

Yeah, I was looking at the inside and it looks completely different than the outside. I think I got a good deal on it and I love it and thats all that matters. The next step is to get it running and look for the next one!!

[estott]

Yep- it's up for sale.
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 699#p97699