The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have THREE best finds for 2014, although one is in the delivery process and won't reach me until next month. I was able to find display room for a beautiful mahogany VV-XVI "L-Door" in awesome mechanical and cosmetic condition, and with a complete set of matching record albums, for a decent price. Next, was a VV-350 "Art Case" that cleaned up nicely and plays like a champ. Finally, I found a VV-XXV "Schoolhouse" in immaculately restored condition and will take delivery in January. It's been a good year for finding wonderful Victrolas.
Happy New Year to all!

schweg wrote:Rather than be shamed into silence by the magnificence of the XX,

No shame involved... this is not a competition, just a sharing of good fortune...

Bruce_Van_Note wrote:I have THREE best finds for 2014, although one is in the delivery process and won't reach me until next month. I was able to find display room for a beautiful mahogany VV-XVI "L-Door" in awesome mechanical and cosmetic condition, and with a complete set of matching record albums, for a decent price. Next, was a VV-350 "Art Case" that cleaned up nicely and plays like a champ. Finally, I found a VV-XXV "Schoolhouse" in immaculately restored condition and will take delivery in January. It's been a good year for finding wonderful Victrolas.
Happy New Year to all!

Is the VV-350 the one that showed up on the Denver Craigslist awhile back? My brother has a buddy out there and I told him that was a pretty scarce machine. It was way too long of a drive for me! Good find on that one, they are nice looking. I saw one at an auction 30 years ago and didn't have sense enough to buy it. It went for $85 and in those days I just thought that was too much for a Victrola that came with a #2 sound box!

Great thread!

This has been a very modest year for me so I can't claim any truly great finds, but one that I very much enjoyed acquiring was the modest little 'Crown' Phonograph marketed by the E.S. Pease Company of New York. A very interesting little machine. Not a major rarity, but a fascinating discovery since it is so little known, with only a few scant mentions in Talking Machine World before it disappeared from the market. Pictures and details here.

One thing that made it especially satisfying is that it came with an incorrect horn, but after finding the TMW ads (thanks to George Paul) I realized I had the ideal horn sitting on a shelf, unused. I almost sold the tiny morning glory horn as superfluous so I was very glad that I never got around to putting it on eBay. It really completes the machine and makes it a visual delight.

Best find for 2014?

As far as machines go, it would have to be the Columbia BF...

Bill

My best purchase for 2014 would have to be my Victor Toy Machine. I fell in love with it at the Spring Wayne show and paid for it in full at Union. This has been the best phono year ever. Jerry Blais

EarlH wrote:

Bruce_Van_Note wrote:I have THREE best finds for 2014, although one is in the delivery process and won't reach me until next month. I was able to find display room for a beautiful mahogany VV-XVI "L-Door" in awesome mechanical and cosmetic condition, and with a complete set of matching record albums, for a decent price. Next, was a VV-350 "Art Case" that cleaned up nicely and plays like a champ. Finally, I found a VV-XXV "Schoolhouse" in immaculately restored condition and will take delivery in January. It's been a good year for finding wonderful Victrolas.
Happy New Year to all!

Is the VV-350 the one that showed up on the Denver Craigslist awhile back? My brother has a buddy out there and I told him that was a pretty scarce machine. It was way too long of a drive for me! Good find on that one, they are nice looking. I saw one at an auction 30 years ago and didn't have sense enough to buy it. It went for $85 and in those days I just thought that was too much for a Victrola that came with a #2 sound box!

No, this one wasn't in Denver. I found this on eBay, but I can't quite remember where it was located. I have enjoyed it and it plays very strong and true. Thank you for your comments.

DeeDee's favorite for the year was this little green Q. They don't all have to be rare to be appreciated but it's nice to find something in unusually rare condition. Jerry

I would have to say, “hands down”, my “Best Find” for 2014 would be this “Special Ordered” 1902 Mahogany Victor Monarch Special, which I was exceedingly fortunate to acquire this past June at Union, from Lynn Bilton, [Believed to be the only Mahogany Victor MS known]. The restoration of this machine has been a totally corroborative effort, and I have many members of the Forum to thank: George Paul, Bob Baumbach, Domenic DiBernardo, and Roger Merenkov, for their “expertise”. Shawn O’Rourke for an “excellent correct original” Speed Control. Harvey Kravitz for an “excellent original” Escutcheon. V.J. Seth for an “excellent original” Concert Reproducer, Support Arm, and Tone Arm Hardware. Ron Haring for an “excellent original” Record Clamp. And David Rosamond for the “excellent All Brass” Horn. (If I missed anyone, I am truly sorry!). I swapped out the Turntable and Crank with “excellent originals” from another of my machines. I think you’ll agree, ... it came out Fabulous!

Cheers, Bob S.

Hi folks,

Well, after thinking about this for a day, I had to decide on my humble "Mackie" Standard Model A. I bought it from a local antique dealer in March, and couldn't be happier with it. Just an all around nice example that was originally sold by a local Piano, Organ and Music dealer; Mackie Music Co.

I have to thank George Paul for heading me in the right direction with this one (and several others).

(It just narrowly nudged my C-250 out of first place.)

Best,
Fran