The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello, I am new here and I was wondering what a 1908 Victor II in fair, but working condition would be worth? I am just looking at buying my first machine and have been on the hunt for about 5 years now. Thanks for any info anyone can help me with.

Also is there a reputable dealer or someone who might be looking to sell these type of outside horn gramophones?

I would suggest looking through past history of the "Trader" section of the Forum. The Vic II was the most popular of Victor's horn machines so it is more common today. Prices would probably range from $650 for a project to over or near $2,000 for one with an oak horn. If you live near Chicago there is a huge show and sale starting on June 7th through 9th in Union, IL. People think show prices are high but you must be competitive to make a sale. I would expect at least six Vic II's at Union, probably more. Jerry Blais

Thanks for the info, I'm in Canada so I won't be in Chicago, would love to be. I'm just looking for my first gramophone and a real and decent one. It doesn't have to be a Victor, could be a Columbia or something along those lines, but with the outer horn.

Photoj wrote:Thanks for the info, I'm in Canada so I won't be in Chicago, would love to be. I'm just looking for my first gramophone and a real and decent one. It doesn't have to be a Victor, could be a Columbia or something along those lines, but with the outer horn.

You may want to post a "wanted" ad in our "Yankee Trader" section. Maybe give an idea of what you are hoping to buy and a price range. There are a few Canadian collectors on this forum and you may have success. Also, keep your eyes on the YT section. This time of year there is lots of action and many "daily" items offered for sale.
Welcome to the forum and best of luck... .

Where in Canada are you located?

Hello Photoj,
If you are not already a member of the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society I would suggest you become a member. The membership gives you a subscription to the club magazine that comes out every two months. Members of C.A.P.S. are allowed to place ads in the magazine for free. It would be a good idea to place a want ad for a Vic II or Vic III. Plus you would be dealing in Canadian funds and avoid the border hassles. If you are looking for a Vic II or III in nice condition with either a brass bell horn or Black Morning glory style expect to pay around $1200. I just bought a late model Vic II with brass bell horn for $1000, but it is located in Seattle so it will cost another $150 to ship it to me. Don't pay too much attention to the outside horn Victor machines that you see on EBay, most are priced much too high.
Pete

Wyatt's Musicana has one out on their site, it is $ 1795.00

http://www.wyattsmusical.com/Victor%20II.html



I no longer own any outside horn machines, they are nice, but truthfully, I think they are just way too expensive. You can get great enjoyment from a Victrola VV-IV or VV-VI, and personally I think they are under valued. I suppose its all about the "iconic" gramophone with a horn.

I would shy away from buying from an Antiques Dealers unless they are collectors as hobbyists. For the most part, they know little about that true value of antique phonographs so their prices are almost always high and know nothing about authenticity. I recently attented an antiques fair where a dealer had many phonographs; high prices and all his machines had been kept fully wound(!). There was another antiques dealer in Toronto who "specialized" in phonographs, claiming to have restored Victrolas. Well, I saw his Victim-olas: splashed with varnish, brandishing the wrong reproducers, rusty needles impaling Edison discs.
The idea of joining CAPS is a good proposition. You will get to know collectors, some of whom authentically restore and sell phonographs at very reasonable prices. Before you buy, talk to collectors and research, research, research. Good luck and Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the tips and info everyone. I'll look into joining CAPS.