The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

S/N is 2270. not 2470 as I initially thought

Thanks for the revised serial number, it uses the same key. The black taper tube support does not look right, can you show us a better photo? It looks like a modern replica of the support intended for a Orthophonic type taper tube. Those small holes are used to attach the bracket to a pressed steel base, not screwed directly into the wood or to the neck of the cast iron horn. Finding the right part should not be too difficult.

Mark

Hi Mark,

You bring up an interesting point. Thank you. The taper tube support is honestly something I did not question as I tend to attribute the machine's oddities to the fact that it's an early Victrola. I am attaching another image which hopefully will help.

I don't have any history on the machine other than I picked it up 24 years ago from a local auction house. At that time the machine quite obviously hadn't received any care in decades as it was very filthy, had a broken spring, broken governor; and 2 case joints were separating.
The bullet brake, low S/N, and the fact that I like basket case phonographs motivated me to place a bid on it. After becoming the new custodian, I left it untouched for a few years before deciding it should get some help. The motor and case were repaired and a (not so successful, waste of time-ish) cleaning was done on the outside of the case. That's where we're at today. In any event, I am not sorry I purchased it and now dug it out of a closet as it is keeping me intrigued and I am enjoying the interaction with other forum members.
I believe that any modifications that were made to this machine must have taken place during a much earlier part of its life. But now, the question becomes: Can I live with this or must the machine be 100% anatomically correct? I don't know yet. Given that it's far from being museum quality, other than a reproducer overhaul and sorting out the lock, I am kind of tempted to leave it as is. What would you do with it?

Thank you,
Oliver

So I've been searching online for early Victrola images & videos. Found 3 Youtube videos of an early VV-IX, VV-X, and VV-XI where the tone arm setup appeared to be similar to mine with the tone arm support being screwed directly into the wood rather than being mounted to a base plate. That's kind of encouraging.

If any members own first year VV-X's with a S/N that is below 3000, I would greatly appreciate if you could post pictures to this thread.

Thank you.

Phono-Phan wrote: Thu May 09, 2024 10:08 pm I might have a replacement lock mechanism. Can you email me a picture? It should take the standard V key.

Ken, I tried to send you a PM but for whatever reason am unable to send any PM's. I was lucky and found what I needed right at home. An old lock that's a perfect fit and will work with a common key. So there is no need to look for one but I thank you for your offer to come to the rescue.

Thank you also to members who contributed to this thread.

Oliver

Quick update: I've had to put this aside for a little while but the machine now has a working lock with a regular Victrola key. While a future reproducer rebuild is in the pipeline, I am now going to leave the machine alone as I strongly believe it is anatomically correct. Thank you everyone for your input..

My next endeavor will likely be a basket case Victor III with motor issues.

I'm sorry but we're not quite finished with this machine. The newly installed lock inspired me to start cleaning the case with non-pumice GoJo. It seems to be helping, slightly improving the appearance of the oak grain. The finish is not in tip top shape and there are a few battle scars but that's OK.
I may not go any further as I prefer the machine to stay in close to attic condition.

Two GoJo cleanings using a soft rag made a little difference. It is a well seasoned 114 y.o. machine and making it pretty again would entail a complete refinishing so I am stopping there. Next will be lid bumpers and a reproducer rebuild but I won't bother you with that. The original turntable felt is surprisingly not showing excessive wear and is staying.

Boy, ir looks fantastic!!!

Inigo wrote: Sat May 25, 2024 4:36 pm Boy, ir looks fantastic!!!

Thank you Inigo. I'm kind of proud of it because it's a machine that literally came back from the dead.