Circassian Walnut VTLA in Texas

[JerryVan]

Why was this particular model so sought after? Was it the walnut?

Short answer: Yes.

But not just any walnut. Circassian walnut. A very rare option. It's akin to the Vernis Martin finishes, which didn't sound any different than any other Victrola, but were exclusive and rare as well.

[Steve]

Why was this particular model so sought after? Was it the walnut?

Short answer: Yes.

But not just any walnut. Circassian walnut. A very rare option. It's akin to the Vernis Martin finishes, which didn't sound any different than any other Victrola, but were exclusive and rare as well.

Thanks for the confirmation, Jerry. I do find the huge gulf in pricing between UK and USA quite fascinating. I have a Circassian walnut HMV no. 12 but the Model rarely fetches much above £500 on the incredibly rare occasion it turns up for sale. It's also technically more interesting than most early cabinet models as it was the first machine to feature the cast iron internal horn.

It's also not a record storage piece as it stands on four long Queen Anne style cabriole legs. It is part of the "Library Bijou Grand" range, although not catalogued as such.