The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

There is one small interesting detail on the machine. This is the very last of the L-Door XVI's. This has the later tab brake, vice the bullet brake. This was the last of the L-Door machines made before the more conventional VXI's, that came out in 1912. I believe these were made for only 9 months or so.
Harvey Kravitz

Garret wrote:I have seen a later Victrola XVI with an original finish almost as shiny as this one. If the finish is original, this Victrola is a steal, although I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it has been gone over in some fashion.

The finish on these earlier cabinets was brushed on. A few years later the shellac was sprayed and usually resulted in unnecessarily heavy results that
have checkered badly over time. Of course it helps not to be stored out in the shed for sixty years
-Bill

At the recent Stanton auction, I saw two L-doors sell with very different prices. The first was the most beautiful Pooley Victor Victrola I've ever seen with all the books in perfect condition. Must have been a very professional restoration. Price before 10% fee was $3000. Then the most beautiful L-door I've ever seen (not a Pooley) with a perfect red mahogany finish, perfect gold metal finish, and a gorgeous set of albums went for $500.