The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Shane wrote:I just about took a step back when I saw the dealer's emblem on the machine... it's from Nishkian's phonograph shop, which was located in my hometown of Fresno, California. I see this emblem a LOT of machines locally, but to see one out there in internet land surprised me. Fresno had quite a large Armenian population during this time (and still does). Out of curiosity, what area is this machine currently located?

Troy, NY according to the listing.

Check out this page for info on Victor wood finishes: http://www.victor-victrola.com/Wood%20F ... ectory.htm

Hope this helps.

Jim

Tinkerbell, check your Personal messages.

Jim

Tinkerbell wrote:

Shane wrote:I just about took a step back when I saw the dealer's emblem on the machine... it's from Nishkian's phonograph shop, which was located in my hometown of Fresno, California. I see this emblem a LOT of machines locally, but to see one out there in internet land surprised me. Fresno had quite a large Armenian population during this time (and still does). Out of curiosity, what area is this machine currently located?

Troy, NY according to the listing.

This machine has traveled quite a long way!

It's currently in my back yard (so to speak)

The asking price isn't bad, considering this isn't the typical finish. If I didn't have a nice Mahogany one I'd be interested myself.

[quote="Tinkerbell

Nat wrote:I've never seen one with the needle tin in the lid.

I thought the needle tin in the lid was pretty unique myself, although my knowledge and experience in this area is admittedly quite limited.


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That needle tin looks the same as was used by HMV in their early front wind 101 portables, and I think(?) in the scarce earlier model 100, so HMV were using them in the 1924-25 period.
Did Victor also use that needle container on other models, or has some "collector" added it (and perhaps the less common finish) to make the machine more desirable?
Can you tell what year this VV-50 was manufactured by the serial number?

If you are interested Tinkerbell, I would not worry too much which finish it is, just as long as you like the finish. My guess would be English, Flemish, Fumed Oak, something like that but again, if you like it, go for it is my motto!

This is a later VV-50 (crank on the side, records stored on the spindle) and that needle holder in the lid is original equipment. They are a little harder to find than the earlier models but by no means rare.

I vote for fumed oak as well. If you wanted one good portable in your collection that would
be a good choice assuming the price is right.

gramophoneshane wrote: Can you tell what year this VV-50 was manufactured by the serial number?

1924, according to the Victor-Victrola website.