Victor Victrola VV-XI Tabletop

[Bruce_Van_Note]

This is my latest, a relatively rare VV-XI tabletop, serial number 1519, made somewhere around 1910. It's in a beautiful golden oak finish with gold hardware. The only major flaw is the brass ID data plate. It identifies a VV-XI floor model from a later time. Why it's on this phonograph is a mystery to me.

I posted about it nearly a month ago, but didn't add the photos you'll hopefully see in this post. I asked if anyone had knowledge of pre-1913 blank Victor ID data plates and got an affirmative response from a fellow TMF member who offered one to me. However, after expressing interest, I've heard nothing. Would anyone have any information regarding who might have pre-1913 blank ID data plates available? I know how to repaint, prepare the metal surface, and stamp the correct model and serial numbers; all I need is a blank plate or two. Enjoy the photos.

[gemering]

Bruce,
Super nice machine!
Best of luck with it.
Gene

[Henry]

Judging from the photos (always a risky thing to do!), I'd say there's a good chance your machine is a re-finish job: note the inside surfaces, doors and under-lid, horn chamber slats, and also the inside corners of the front trim mouldings, which are all a different, darker shade than the rest of the wood. The tag shows evidence of prying along the bottom edge, as if it had been clumsily removed from some other machine and then reinstalled here, possibly to replace a missing original. Do you know anything about the history of this phonograph in re: previous owner(s), or the seller? Finally, how did you discover the original sn1519? Is there another tag on the unit somewhere?

[Uncle Vanya]

I posted about it nearly a month ago, but didn't add the photos you'll hopefully see in this post. I asked if anyone had knowledge of pre-1913 blank Victor ID data plates and got an affirmative response from a fellow TMF member who offered one to me. However, after expressing interest, I've heard nothing. Would anyone have any information regarding who might have pre-1913 blank ID data plates available? I know how to repaint, prepare the metal surface, and stamp the correct model and serial numbers; all I need is a blank plate or two. Enjoy the photos.

Sorry if it appears that I've dropped off the face of the earth. It certainly feels that way to me sometimes. I've been caring for two elderly parents with myriad health problems including dementia, annd the Better Half also suffers from some serious health problems. Shortly after my post about the nameplates my father had another cardiac episode, my mother was determined to have progressed another step on the dementia ladder and the Better Half required another round of rather elaborate diagnostic tests.. I've been running from pillar to post, and, it seems, getting nowhere. I've even delayed my own cardioversion. Haven't been paying too much attention to talking machines in the meanwhile. What's more, In my haste to run back to Cleveland to put out the fires there I left both the nameplates that I put aside and my digital camera back home.

I am sorry for not getting back to you. It was inconsiderate in the extreme. I hope that you will excuse me, for I am at the end of my tether.

A telephone call is the best way to contact me, I Ihink that I've left you my number. If not I will do so later today when I have the chance. must run now.

[Bruce_Van_Note]

Judging from the photos (always a risky thing to do!), I'd say there's a good chance your machine is a re-finish job: note the inside surfaces, doors and under-lid, horn chamber slats, and also the inside corners of the front trim mouldings, which are all a different, darker shade than the rest of the wood. The tag shows evidence of prying along the bottom edge, as if it had been clumsily removed from some other machine and then reinstalled here, possibly to replace a missing original. Do you know anything about the history of this phonograph in re: previous owner(s), or the seller? Finally, how did you discover the original sn1519? Is there another tag on the unit somewhere?

Hello, and thanks for your much-welcomed observations. Yes, I'm sure it could be a refinish or, at best, a rather harsh cleaning, according to Paul Edie. According to the "Victor Data Book", the ID data plate is from a VV-XI upright floor model(25491 B) from 1912-13. The correct S/N(1519) came from the license sticker, which is attached to the bottom of the phonograph. Prior to the mid 19-teens or so, Victor printed or wrote by hand the S/N in the upper right-hand corner of the license sticker in addition to the brass ID plate inside the case. I know nothing of the provenance other than what I've found in the "VDB" and in an e-mail from Paul Edie. The seller didn't seem to be hiding anything from me when I made the in-person purchase and I seriously doubt he replaced the original ID data plate. He indicated that this was the condition in which he found it, and I have no reason to doubt that. I surmise that this phonograph was subject to an attempted refurbishment some time back. In any event, it is rather attractive on it's own terms and it plays very well, roaring like a lion. Thanks for your comments, which are always welcome.

[m0xiemama]

I would agree Bruce that it was probably just too vigorously cleaned. The outside of my Gunmetal XI looks nothing like the inside. I think it is a quite lovely machine. I have always wanted the tabletop X but I may be changing my mind

[gemering]

Not only have I been in love with my wife for the past twenty-six years (twenty-two of which we've spent married to each other), but I've also been in love with the Victor tabletop X, XI, and XII.
Does that make me a polygamist?

[Victrolacollector]

I just chimed in to day that is one beautiful phonograph. I love the lidded table tops so easy to move around or just to move period. And with a nice stand like you have, it makes it almost a console. I have the VV-IX in mahogany, it is nice, but I am starting to really fall in love with Oak cabinets. I am not sure if Oak fits in better with today's decor, or if its just me.

[FloridaClay]

Oak finishes seem to age better than mahogany. So often the varnish has turned so dark that the beautiful subtle graining and depth of the mahogany finish originally there just disappears. That is not nearly as bad often with oak. Probably because it has a much stronger grain.

Clay

[Henry]

Judging from the photos (always a risky thing to do!), I'd say there's a good chance your machine is a re-finish job: note the inside surfaces, doors and under-lid, horn chamber slats, and also the inside corners of the front trim mouldings, which are all a different, darker shade than the rest of the wood. The tag shows evidence of prying along the bottom edge, as if it had been clumsily removed from some other machine and then reinstalled here, possibly to replace a missing original. Do you know anything about the history of this phonograph in re: previous owner(s), or the seller? Finally, how did you discover the original sn1519? Is there another tag on the unit somewhere?

Hello, and thanks for your much-welcomed observations. Yes, I'm sure it could be a refinish or, at best, a rather harsh cleaning, according to Paul Edie. According to the "Victor Data Book", the ID data plate is from a VV-XI upright floor model(25491 B) from 1912-13. The correct S/N(1519)came from the license sticker, which is attached to the bottom of the phonograph. Prior to the mid 19-teens or so, Victor printed or wrote by hand the S/N in the upper right-hand corner of the license sticker in addition to the brass ID plate inside the case. I know nothing of the provenance other than what I've found in the "VDB" and in an e-mail from Paul Edie. The seller didn't seem to be hiding anything from me when I made the in-person purchase and I seriously doubt he replaced the original ID data plate. He indicated that this was condition in which he found it, and I have no reason to doubt that. I surmise that this phonograph was subject to an attempted refurbishment some time back. In any event, it is rather attractive on it's own terms and it plays very well, roaring like a lion. Thanks for your comments, which are always welcome.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a very nice machine to own, especially if it sounds good, as you say it does. Congratulations! I wouldn't part with my XI-G floor model for anything (well, almost anything ). Mine sounds great on everything from early acoustics up through and including big band and small group jazz stuff from the '50s. Admittedly not so great, but still listenable, on electrical recordings of orchestras, but hey, that's why orthophonics were invented . Enjoy your XI in good health!