The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The scotch tape on the front and the little sticker on the edge that the seller stuck to his $10,000 machine just knocked $8500 off his inflated price. That was a reeeeeeal smart move.

Skihawx is right - - I've been collecting for 43 years and I'd be happy to have that VE in American Walnut (if I had room for it!). I've owned a few Credenzas over the years, but the one I've kept is electric. There's nothing wrong with a VE as long as the rest of it is nice, and this XVII looks good from the photos. (Hopefully all the adhesive tape the seller has applied to his treasure won't do permanent harm to the finish.)

The other posters are probably right in that - judging from his recent comments - the seller is probably not going to make a reasonable deal with you anytime soon. If you want the machine, make him an offer of what it's worth to you, and let him percolate for awhile if necessary. Stop in every week or so if he's nearby and remind him your offer still stands. Who knows, you may catch him on a day when his bills are due and he'll be ready to rock and roll.

As to what you should offer, that's really up to you. My estimate would be somewhere between $750-$1000 US (if it has its original albums), but market value and what it's worth to you aren't necessarily the same thing. I've never been willing to pay market value for an Edison Opera or a Victor VI, but I've occasionally paid well over market value for items that appeal to me personally. Go with your gut - - don't let "price guides" dictate what something's worth to you.

Good luck!

George P.

elkabong wrote:. I don't appreciate his way of doing business.

The guy is obviously a clueless idiot. Who sticky tapes pieces of paper to the original finish on the door of a machine they believe is worth $10,000
I'm surprised he didn't save paper & just write directly on the door in felt pen.

Is it Circassian or American walnut?
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On page 54 of Baumbach"s "Victor Data Book" it talks about Victor finishes. On the XVI is says 5% were Circassian walnut. Regarding the XVII is says 17% were walnut. It does not differentiate what type of walnut.
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I thought it was interesting that Circassian was the only walnut mentioned with the XVI and just "walnut" was mentioned with the XVII. I owned an American Walnut XVI that Nipper currently owns and I have a 1912 XVI that's Circassian walnut. I checked the paper label on the back of my XVI and it gives a date of 1912 and "Circassian Walnut" and a price of $250. It should be remembered that the roots of the XVI go clear back to the VTLA in 1906 and it sold in large numbers through 1920. It was made through the transition from Circassian to American walnut. I then checked the paper tag on my walnut XVII. It give a date of 1918 but does not mention price or anything about the type of walnut. Why was there less information on the XVII label? The following is my opinion. By 1918 the world was feeling the affects of the Great War. I believe it was very difficult to import Circassian walnut. Russia is in the midst of the Bolshevik revolution and international trade was difficult. The XVII was introduced in 1916 and I suspect that American Walnut was the only walnut offered. Why was there less information like price on my XVII label? There was a great deal of inflation during WW-1 and I suspect that's why my XVII label does not mention price. It made it easier for Victor to adjust the price when needed. Why wasn't the walnut finish mentioned on my XVII tag? (more opinion!) Circassian walnut is so dramatic in comparison to American walnut. Even though American walnut is very attractive, there is a difference. I suspect Victor wanted to lessen the difference so they talked about walnut in a more generic tone but continued to charge $50 for the option.
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Has anyone ever seen a XVII that is documented Circassian Walnut? Sometimes the finishes are so close, I would want to see an original sales order or "Circassian" seen on the paper label. I have seen the XVII mentioned in Schweg's post at Union and I believe it's American walnut. The seller is adamant that it's Circassian so he can jack the price to $5,000. I don't believe an American walnut XVII is worth $5,000 but I would think it's worth somewhere around $2,000. Jerry Blais

No question American walnut. Circassian is a whole different ball game. They are not even close. Here is what "real" Circassian looks like.Better yet look a GP's Vic. 16 on the cover of the first book.In this market with books. I too concur......750 - 1000 USD tops.

For $750 to $1,000, I'll buy them all day long when they're in good original shape. Who's got one for sale? Jerry

Some might and some might not. In fact didn't a Circasian 17 sell on CL in Portland a few months ago for 300.00????. That was a great deal......I think.

It's tough when you're the second caller! Jerry

Baumbach's "Look for the Dog" shows a market value for Victor 17s of from about $1,000 to $1,700 for a nice example. From the pictures it looks like this is a nice one. Of course check it out to make sure it works, no missing parts, etc. The $10,000 is really wild wishful thinking.

Clay

No kidding .......that sucks but, then I heard it was sold very fast . I guess the new owner is keeping it.