The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a question about dating Victor Exhibition Reproducers. I know the earliest ones have knurled nuts, and a round hole in the needle bar. After 1909, Victor produced ones with hex nuts and a triangular hole for fiber needles. Owners were able to send their older reproducers to the factory or have the dealer to have them updated. Is there a chart available that has blocks of reproducer serial numbers with dates of manufacture? How can you tell if the reproducer is an early one that was retro fitted? I always have been curious of that.
Harvey Kravitz

The short answer is "no," based on a number of similar inquiries and responses on the board over the years. I wish there were such a list, as I would be interested in dating mine.

I'm sorry, I know I have a twisted sense of humor... but your title was just screaming for a comment about dating reproducers.

All I could think of was the prevalence of dating websites being advertised on television these days, and it seems there is a dating website for just about everyone (and every interest). That said, I suppose a reproducer dating website could take on an entirely different meaning...

My apologies; somebody had to say it, so it might as well be me.

VV-XI - Best post in ages. But would you date an exhibitionist?

Nat wrote:VV-XI - Best post in ages. But would you date an exhibitionist?

Only if completely restored and rebuilt... and perhaps gold plated.

Nat wrote:VV-XI - Best post in ages. But would you date an exhibitionist?

Don't know---I'd have to see her first.

Is there any chance we can get back on topic? I recently bought a late Victor E with an S/N of 55XXX. The reproducer has an S/N of 330,XXX This Victor E was made as a rear mount because it only has holes for the bracket. It never had holes for a front mount. That being said, I would say the machine is from 1904-5. The reproducer looks original to the machine, but I could be wrong. That is why I wrote the question to begin with. I'm writing a question to get information and knowledge about machines and accessories, not silly, childish responses. I know that I am going to get flack, but I really don't care. If a poster can't write a serious answer, then don't post. Lets leave this nonsense with the kids.
Harvey Kravitz

It's kind of hard to try and date early exhibitions from the machines, especially since in the pre-1904 period they were used side by side with Concert soundboxes. I have a few early long throat Exhibitions. The earliest has a number of 22xx and is probably one of the first Victor marked ones. There was a previous thread on these with an ERJ marked one in the 18xx range (if I remember correctly). I have another on a 1902/03 Monarch with a 26xxx number, but I can't be sure it's original to the machine. I've probably asked this before, but along the lines of Harvey's question does anyone know Victor's system of Letter numbering for the Exhibition after they reached 999999. I would guess it was similar to the stamper codes of letters but I have no real info.

Phonofreak wrote:Is there any chance we can get back on topic? I recently bought a late Victor E with an S/N of 55XXX. The reproducer has an S/N of 330,XXX This Victor E was made as a rear mount because it only has holes for the bracket. It never had holes for a front mount. That being said, I would say the machine is from 1904-5. The reproducer looks original to the machine, but I could be wrong. That is why I wrote the question to begin with. I'm writing a question to get information and knowledge about machines and accessories, not silly, childish responses. I know that I am going to get flack, but I really don't care. If a poster can't write a serious answer, then don't post. Lets leave this nonsense with the kids.
Harvey Kravitz

I'm sorry if my comment was offensive to you, it was not my intention to hijack your thread... I've just learned after the last couple of years that keeping a light-hearted sense of humor can carry one through tough times. Again, my apologies.

Phonofreak wrote: If a poster can't write a serious answer, then don't post. Lets leave this nonsense with the kids.
Harvey Kravitz

Hey Harvey, we *are* kids! That's the fun of this hobby!