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I thought I would share this bit of good fortune with the group. A few weeks ago I went and bought a group of needle tins that were listed as a "BIN". I really just wanted a nice 1000 Victor tin to complete my 1000's. There were two other very small gold tins and no mention being with contents. I knew the paper container was full and there were a few needles in the Victor tins. Well, today they arrived and to my surprise.....both gold tins had a needle each. One with a Sonora paper stating a diamond needle. The other ....a red triangle fiber needle with a sapphire end for vertical records. This later one I have never seen. Talk about a fiber needle that will not wear out!!!!... .
I guess sometimes you can get a little extra for your $$$$. I will be curious to hear how this fiber needle sounds. Oh yeah....there was also one gold unused "Tungstone" needle in the lot.

Congratulations! Nice catch.
Andreas

That was a great find. I have the Diamond and sapphire needles with my Sonora period model. They are hard to find for sure thats great you got them. The seller probably had no idea what they were other than Victola needles being in the tins

Although no one has suggested it, but just in case anyone tries, it's probably not a good idea to play lateral-cut (i.e., Victor and most other) records with diamond or sapphire-tip styli. The tracking force of the typical Victor/Victrola (and similar other) sound boxes would certainly accelerate record wear with such tips. I never use anything but steel needles, almost always soft-tone, in my Exhibition box on the VV-XI. As always, YRMV!

BTW, nice tins!

Thanks guys. Although I'm sure I will never use the diamond needle....have no DD's. However, the sapphire I will try on some vertical records....just curious. I can see what you mean about the diamond tip. It would be more a cutting lathe more than anything else on a regular 78 .... As I wrote....I really just wanted to get the red Victor 1000. Now I can display the group. For your reference.....a pic of the group of 1000's.

I have never seen a sapphire ball mounted on a fibre shank. I suppose the maker's intent was to produce a mellower sound with less hiss.