VV-107, thoughts?

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Hi all,

I've come across a nice VV-107 that I'd like to buy, but the main issue is the entire exterior (including the inside of the doors) has been repainted an ugly green color.

It looks complete, operates, and the hardware is in good shape from what I can tell, and it's $160.

It is a nice machine, but would I likely be going over my head here in terms of cabinet restoration? I can do fair in terms of bring a dingy original finish back, but the whole stripping/sanding/refinishing is new to me, especially on a Victor machine.

I had done it to an offbrand machine with good results, but this is a proper machine, and a rarer one too...

[FloridaClay]

A bit of a tough call. These are nice machines and only about 1,000 were made, the majority of which likely did not survive. I would be tempted at $160. Maybe some others hear can offer advice about whether it is possible to remove paint without totally stripping the finish. I haven't tackled that job yet.

Clay

[VintageTechnologies]

Well, it is a rare machine and probably worth restoring, even if you have to pay someone to refinish it. The refinishing would probably cost more than the machine itself, so I don't think $160 is absurd if you want it.

Here is what http://www.victor-victrola.com/107.htm had to say:

The VV-107 was a short-lived premium floor model, produced to boost Victrola sales during the slow 1924 Christmas season, when radio sales far exceeded phonograph sales. Introduced in the late summer of 1924 it failed to sell well. It had an unusual cabinet design, with a lower "compressed" appearance. Gold hardware and an "air-drop" lid were standard equipment. The 107 was discontinued with the introduction of the Orthophonics, after less than one year of production. Due to their rarity, these machines are considered desirable by collectors today. All 107's have identical design features.

The original 1924 selling price of the 107 was $200.00. An estimated total of 1,007 Victrola 107's were produced.

[Scott]

I think, at a minimum, you save it. If everything is in good working order, take it and worry about the finish later. Based on it's rarity, you can't go wrong.

[briankeith]

I would buy it....

[Henry]

Grab it. You can always paint it a different color

[estott]

Goof-Off will soften latex paint without stripping varnish- I've used it to get paint splatters off furniture. I wouldn't be too certain about using in large quantities though.

If it is in otherwise decent condition $160 is not a terrible price.

[tomwil]

Just for comparison, there is one on Craigslist for $200 that does not mention it has been painted or refinished. No pictures, though.

[FloridaClay]

Just for comparison, there is one on Craigslist for $200 that does not mention it has been painted or refinished. No pictures, though.

Craigslist where? Location can have a big effect on price.

Clay

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Just for comparison, there is one on Craigslist for $200 that does not mention it has been painted or refinished. No pictures, though.

That's the same ad, woman has pictures up elsewhere. She dropped the price a bit.