The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Phonofreak wrote:If there is a picture of the data plate and what's under the lid, will solve the mystery.
Harvey Kravitz

Sure will. I'll just add that the carvings on the upper corner posts of the example are not the same as the ones on my XI #370333G (1917): there are fancy doodads below the medallions on the pictured machine, not present on the typical XI (i.e., the earlier cabinet version; the medallions were replaced by simpler forms in later versions). Also note the position of the winder hole, well forward of the usual location on a floor model XI of any vintage.

Huh. Interesting. Still an early example of the model, I'd say...

I have a Teen's XIV, red mahogany. Centered crank. Does NOT have the ribbed horizontal moulding on sides.

Below is info from my submission to Victor-Victrola database.

Platedata: VV-XIV 69477 E
FInish: Mahogany (Red or Red-Brown)
Date: January 1, 1915
Speed: Large Glass Cover
Condition: Good Original
email:
Submit: Submit Form

Comments:
Gold plated hardware, Exhibition sound box, tab-brake, "fat" cabinet knobs. Separate locks on Lid and record storage.

Sold by J.N. Adam & Co., Buffalo, NY. (Dept. Store)

Purchased May 2014 from original owner's grand-daughter, via Craigslist.

From my research online it looks like a second generation XIV B model. The seller is slow to respond and as soon as I can take a look the mystery will be solved. My question would be if it is an early XIV is it unique enough to chase after if the inside is in good condition?

If it has the original Victor Folders, in good condition, that would be a plus.


Don't know what to say about early vs. late effect on valuation. Unique features usually increase value...


From what I see on the Victor-Victrola page, it does look like suffix B XIV.

In 1914, the cabinet saw some changes, with suffix E machines.


Victor-Victrola Page says the first version, the plain-jane Queen Anne, is the most valuable iteration. Personally I think the suffix B-D machines are more attractive.

So the seller finally got back to me with a pic of the Model plate and serial number. Looks like it is an XIV made in 1913. He says there is a spring repair but doesn't specify what type of spring. Im interested because it is a short lived model but unsure if the price merits it. The seller claims he is a woodworker and will be gutting it to make it into a liquor cabinet if it is not sold. It breaks my heart and I almost want to buy it just to save it from being butchered. Opinions?

If it's not too far a drive, I recommend going to look at it. (take some cash, moving blankets, and the station wagon!).


If the wood & finish look decent, and all the hardware is there, and the machine is working, I'd say grab it, if you like it.

It is rarer and more interesting than an XI...

If the records are not in their original Victor folders, no great loss.

These would be in red or brown linen covering, with "D" type pull rings on the spines, and probably green sleeves.


If they are there, ask if the seller will throw-in the folders w/o the records, or for slightly more $.

Speaking for myself, I would inly be interested in the records themselves, if:

- they were titles / artists that appeal to me

- they are contemporary to the machine: Victor "patent" or "arch" label, Columbia "magic notes" label, similar pre- WW I stuff.


I hope someone can save it; it's too small to be any decent kind of liquor cabinet.

It would be interesting to know if this version of the VV-XIV has the upright record divider slats---a la the VV-XI of the same era---or if it had shelving for the albums/binders/folders. I still think it would clean up nicely and since it's oak, with a very nice figure to the grain, it can be more desirable to many than its mahogany counterpart would be. I'd buy it for the price if I had the chance---and any room left for it.

Jayl65 wrote:So the seller finally got back to me with a pic of the Model plate and serial number. Looks like it is an XIV made in 1913. He says there is a spring repair but doesn't specify what type of spring. Im interested because it is a short lived model but unsure if the price merits it. The seller claims he is a woodworker and will be gutting it to make it into a liquor cabinet if it is not sold. It breaks my heart and I almost want to buy it just to save it from being butchered. Opinions?

That appears to be an earlier model based on the serial number.

The picture of the data plate clears things up. It was hard to tell by the original photo. This is a scarce and short lived machine, especially in Oak.. The quote of $300.00 with records is a bargain. I'd figure a way to get to the seller and rescue this machine. If the distance is to far, I'm sure one of our good members of the Forum will help you out. Go for it!!
Harvey Kravitz