The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

gramophoneshane wrote:So being the 4th machine, does this make it a $15,000 machine or a $5,000 machine?
Does a low serial number really increase the value 3 fold, and would 501 therefore be valued at $20,000?

that probably just depends on who you're asking and whether or not that person owns one (or more).

I'm not disagreeing, so don't jump on me, but: Seeing the photo, I am amazed that different legs and corner carvings on an otherwise standard Victrola make such a difference in value. I expected to see something really fancy!

brianu wrote:

gramophoneshane wrote:So being the 4th machine, does this make it a $15,000 machine or a $5,000 machine?
Does a low serial number really increase the value 3 fold, and would 501 therefore be valued at $20,000?

Actually if it is serial number 505 that would be the 5th machine not the 4th! It seems the most common of all "Period" Victrolas may be the wide Gothic. For the nearly $1,000 price tag you really got something to look at. I think the machines that look more ordinary were not good sellers. The second highest may be the Wide Chippendale, again another very impressive machine. I'd love to own an upright Gothic. I've never heard of one but there has to be one out there.

My appologies. I'll have to have a serious talk to my fingers about hitting the wrong keys.

I feel very fortunate to own a Queen Anne Period upright. The serial number is 503. I bought it about fifteen years ago. At the time I'm not sure I was aware of the series of Period models.

Edisone wrote:I'm not disagreeing, so don't jump on me, but: Seeing the photo, I am amazed that different legs and corner carvings on an otherwise standard Victrola make such a difference in value. I expected to see something really fancy!

I was wondering the same thing actually. Its a nice machine but I think the
rarity issue is more dominant here in terms of monetary value. This is only my
opinion of course, and value is always dependent on what someone will pay
for a particular model. Based on the the offers I have seen its no doubt
a model in demand and has great value.

Jerry that Queen Anne Period model is just beautiful!
Seems unfair that two of them are in Oregon! I need to
find one here in the north east!

Hello all,

If you all don't mind me asking - I've finally gotten around to tinkering with this Victrola, and noticed a few things. The rubber gaskets are pretty hard around the No. 2 reproducer. Is there a place to get nice, supple replacement gaskets? Also, I've discovered that the springs clunk, and will probably need regreased or something. What sort of grease do your recommend using when I go to work on the motor? Thanks for your help!

Bubba, re the little doors in the back, wondering if yours has, or once had, an electric motor. Some that did have them had doors in the back to access some resistors to make ajustments for your particular line voltage, which wasn't the same everywhere back in the day like it is now.

Clay

I'm not a Victor collector so I cannot say anything about the value. I can say it is a nice looking machine!
Steve