VV-IX Questions

[johnwilla]

I just purchased a 1912 Victrola IX which was somebody's half-finished 'project' (finish sanded off, all parts unscrewed, some missing) I was trying to see a mark inside for a needle cup--later versions have the familiar three holer model, but on this one I don't see any marks where one might have been. Does anybody on the list know whether the early versions of this machine lacked needle holders? The handyman also sanded off the decal, and I wonder if anybody on the listserve has a good quality image of a Victor decal that is era-appropriate? I could make a decal of my own and apply it as part of the restoration.
I have already emailed Mr. Vollema with a partial list of needs...
Thanks, in advance, as always--

[Jerry B.]

I believe all VV-IX models have a wood needle holder. It should be an easy part to find. Is your machine oak or mahogany? Gregg Cline is the best source for authentic decals. He can be found in the "Links" section of the Forum. Jerry Blais

[johnwilla]

Thanks for your info. Phonograph is mahogany, per Victor-Victrola page its serial number puts its mfr. date in 1912. The phonograph has the wrong turntable, a too-short winding key, and a No. 2 reproducer with broken diaphragm. A project, for sure!

[De Soto Frank]

I have an early 1915 VV-IX, mahogany, which has the usual three-hole needle-cup holder, located on the left side of the machine, towards the rear. My machine has nickel hardware.

Yours should have had a Victor Exhibition reproducer, on a "skinny" taper-tube, with the large screw/plug.

1912 probably still had the round dial & knob speed control.

FWIW, my 1909 VV-XVI, mahogany, also has the usual 3-hole needle cup holder, also on the left-rear of the machine (as you face it).


Post some pictures of your project, if you can...

[johnwilla]

Thanks for your helpful note. The phono is a mess of unrelated parts, I think--turntable is gold-tone from a later machine; winding key is too small for the case. It has the skinny taper tube with plug as you describe, but the reproducer is a No. 2 (later upgrade at some time?) Speed regulator is a later version than the screw/dial one. It's missing the internal horn, the overhang bracket, half the piano hinge screws, etc., etc. I am sure I can find replacement parts over time. I will do some photos and post, thanks for the suggestion.
johnwilla

[johnwilla]

I have a couple of pictures of the VV-IX as it is now. Will try to add more as I obtain replacement parts, etc.

[De Soto Frank]

Well, it needs TLC, but doesn't look like it's beyond salvation...


Although, I do have to wonder why someone relocated the serial plate to the back panel of the lid ?! ( It should be in the back, RH corner, on the deck behind the motorboard. )

If the majority of the hardware is nickel, then your turntable platter should be nickel, with green felt. (again, going by my unrestored 1915 "footed" VV-IX.)

Brake ("tab" style) and speed-control ("crescent") appear to be correct.


If the filler has been sanded-out of the original finish / veneer, suggest you consider filling the grain before applying new finish coat. Others here can recommend good grain-filler products. The main point is that with the mahogany machines, Victor filled the porous grain, and these machines left Camden with a glass-smooth "piano-finish".

Go to any antique mall, and you won't have to look far to find some pieces of 20th-Century "Federal" furniture that have been "refinished" w/o filler, and the result looks like the surface of an orange or grapefruit...

The Soundbox is probably the least of your issues... an original owner could certainly have upgraded their "Exhibition" machine with a # 2 sound-box...

Good luck - keep us posted!

[johnwilla]

Thanks for your encouragement. Nothing is more pleasing than seeing phonos that have been recovered from the brink--hope I can do a decent job with this one.
Cheers--

[a12548]

John..I think i got you beat as far as picking up an IX that 'needs work'. This one was hopeless yet managed to get it back in presentable shape.

[a12548]

PS--I did use a Gregg Cline decal on the above as well.