The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Iva wrote:

I had wondered if they started out with a box bottom without wooden legs but had coaster wheels.
It all seems to be the same old wood on the bottom. metal pieces in the corners holding things together with metal wheel holders.

I've looked the image over a few times. IF the legs were taken off, the whole form of the bottom piece that include the legs would of had to been removed. other wise I would have some trim edges. If they took off that form they had to add something to hold the doors on.
I think mine may of had a flat regular no thrills cabinet. I can see that the side corner trim as been removed with no damage to the corners of the cabinet. which would of matched up with the top side trims.
I realize it was cut in half..but I'm not sure the legs were cut off or if it just lost the coasters.

I been look at different ones online and imagine cutting one in half right below the top cabinet doors. It just doesn't seem one could do it and still have the space that I have on mine.
Some people are crafty...who knows how they could of redone it after getting it home huh...lol

Iva, I wish we had better news for you, but I think we owe it to you to be honest. Your VV-100 did not originally have "metal pieces in the corners holding things together with metal wheel holders." Those were added much later when it was altered long after it left the factory. It would have had casters, but they would have been inserted into holes drilled into the now long gone legs. And no, it definitely did not start life with a "box bottom."

Why someone cut it all up we may never know--likely because it was badly damaged by some accident or another and they were trying to salvage what they could. What it looked like originally was exactly what the pictures on the link zenith82 sent you show. Your machine has been drastically altered and would have very little market value, except for parts.

However, if it pleases you and you enjoy it that is the important part.

Clay

Iva wrote:I asked him for the serial number #304426

Anyone have any ideas? I'm also thinking it's a B

I don't know where on the plate it would have the Model letter.
looking at some online I don't see Model letters on them either.

So is it on the motor it's self? I know some of you have said the letter should be on the plate. His model has a plate and serial number. But no letter. Is it possible he painted over it?

Iva, it's a Model B Home. There's no question about it. Please believe all the good advice you've received here.

The Model B Homes do not have a model letter on them.

George P.

ok..so after re-reading the great replies here.

What he has is a Model B Home edition. Model C did not have endplates.
A Model B does not have the B letter on them, and can play 2 and 4 min cylinders. However I would need both a C reproducer and an H reproducer to be able to play both sizes.

He had it originally listed with a witches hat horn included but decided he wanted to keep that and I can't talk him out of it.

He did have it tuned...how much does that normally cost to have done?

FloridaClay wrote: Iva, I wish we had better news for you,

Clay

ohhh...it doesn't bother me at all. Whoever did it, did a great job and was done years ago before the water damage you can just tell.
I should take a pic of the bottom. But I like the idea it was cut, kind of makes it a bit more original...lol.
The base does go to it. I plan to do some more work to it to cover the water damage. so it will again have an "original touch" added to it. But it's mine....all mine....

Iva wrote:ok..so after re-reading the great replies here.

What he has is a Model B Home edition. Model C did not have endplates.
A Model B does not have the B letter on them, and can play 2 and 4 min cylinders. However I would need both a C reproducer and an H reproducer to be able to play both sizes.

He had it originally listed with a witches hat horn included but decided he wanted to keep that and I can't talk him out of it.

He did have it tuned...how much does that normally cost to have done?

Iva,
The Model B machines originally played 2 minute cylinders only. The machine in question - which is overpriced - had an "Amberol Attachment" added to it after 1908 to enable it to play 2 & 4 minute records. These records are the same size, but there are 100 lines per inch on the 2 minute records, and 200 lines per inch on the 4 minute variety.

With respect, I'd recommend acquainting yourself with this field before spending hundreds of dollars on an antique phonograph. This might be a good place to start:

http://www.antiquephono.org/basic-antiq ... onal-tips/

There are other introductory articles on the same website that may be helpful to you.

Best of luck!

George P.

Iva wrote:He did have it tuned...how much does that normally cost to have done?

There is no set price - it depends on who is doing it. "Tuned" is a broad generalization that could mean almost anything. A lot of Edison machines just need a good cleanup, greasing, oiling and some minor adjustments and a new leather belt. Most of us with any mechanical aptitude "tune" our own machines. I started repairing Edisons at age 13, it isn't that hard. Maybe he did his own tune-up, and maybe that was no better than his cosmetics.

The more conversations you have with the old guy, the more my "BS Meter" goes off-scale. First he has other machines for consideration, then he doesn't. He is playing with you. Edison Homes and Standards are relatively common as dirt. I'd look elsewhere, there are greener pastures.

VintageTechnologies wrote:
The more conversations you have with the old guy, the more my "BS Meter" goes off-scale. First he has other machines for consideration, then he doesn't. He is playing with you.

That's what I'm starting to think. Get your first cylinder machine somewhere else.

If you serviced the Victor motor yourself, you can certainly do an Edison Standard or Home. If you haven't already read it, this book is a good starting point for how to service phonographs:

http://www.amazon.com/Compleat-Talking- ... 1886606226

actually he said he had others in his collection. It was my idea that he may be willing to sell something else, but he said he isn't ready to get rid of them yet.

I still plan to go see him and see his collection...and make an offer on it. I really dont plan to go over 500.00. I have been reading up and bookmarking links and again thanks for heading me in some kind of negotiating way.

I over all don't feel this is a bad machine for what it is and if I can get it for 500.00 I believe I may purchase it.

If I can get machines without horns for around 350.00. and still have to pay to send it to me...

I don't see how getting a horn and the attachment along with 10 cylinders and someone to hand show me how to use it right...is such a bad deal at $500.00. I don't want to just walk away sight unseen.

Isn't anyone one my side on this? $500.00?

Well: if you feel you have to have this machine, nobody here can stop you. We are simply giving the benefit of accumulated years of experience (including somebody who literally "wrote the book" on talking machines), to help newcomers make informed decisions. In that sense, we are on your side.

Considering the concerns about the Edison and its seller, it might be best to wait until you find one that you can inspect personally, armed with as much information as you can gather.

As for that poor wreck of a VV-100, perhaps you can someday find an intact case for it…

The best of luck to you!

Bill

Eva,

No offense to you or the gentleman selling the Edison but it's way overpriced in my opinion. It's hard to tell from the poor quality pics but both the horn and machine appear to have been poorly redone. Others may disagree but to me it's at max a $250 machine and to be honest, I would't take it except for parts.

Here's one more option:

This machine on the link below looks a little dirty but nothing that a light cleaning would not solve. It appears to be all original, not refinished or fiddled with. If you could get it for ~$250-$300, add a repro witches hat horn and you are ready to go. Later on you could add a second reproducer for four minute records and a large original horn (with original paint) or you could even add a cygnet.

Given you are a novice, you may want to have it shipped directly to one of several reputable repairmen so you are not frustrated getting it to run well.

As with any purchase, vet this seller thoroughly if you even consider pursuing. I am not at all connected with the seller and, as others have said, there are many others out there to choose from too. No need to rush. Just a thought...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191054455572?_t ... _182wt_687