Victrola 4-40 walnut?

[Chilesave]

I am thinking about buying this Victrola 4-40 from a man near where I live. I really don't have much interest in the console phonographs; but, I am interested in the wood finish on this machine. The man wants $250 for it.

According to the data books, Victor only made this machine in mahogany. But looking at these pictures, this one has much more grain pattern than mahogany and looks to me like it is walnut. Underneath the lid really looks like american walnut to me.

I believe Victor made a Canadian model, similar to the 4-40, that could have been in walnut; but, it would have been called a "Barona" The data tag on this phonograph doesn't say Barona, it says 4-40.

Does anyone have any ideas from looking at these pictures as to whether this really might be walnut or not? Any advice on whether to buy or not. Thanks for any help.

[De Soto Frank]

Wind-up or electric ?

Is it in working order ?

What kind of condition is the cabinet ( glue joints, veneer ) and finish in ?

Condition of the Orthophonic sound-box and tone-arm support ( pot-metal not cracked and crumbly )


It's not one of the "more desirable" Orthophonics, so at $250, you're approaching the ceiling for reasonable return on your investment, should you have to sell it... so consider carefully how much work it might need to make it function correctly and look nice...

The wood looks a little "burly" to me, to be mahogany... but whatever it is, the finish looks dusty and "tired"...


Good luck !

[Jerry B.]

I'd say it is American Walnut. Jerry

[Phonofreak]

I agree with Jerry. It's walnut. With Howards restore a finish, it should clean up nicely. Maybe you can talk down the price.
Harvey Kravitz

[Joe_DS]

If you do an onsite inspection, look carefully at the legs. It appears to be missing the "stretcher" which is visible in this photograph:



The one I bought about 15 years ago, was also missing the stretcher. I've never been able to find a workable replacement.

Restored, the 4-40 pumps out an amazing sound. It's actually close, in quality, to that of the Credenza, though it doesn't have the larger model's bass response.

Joe

[Uncle Vanya]

I am thinking about buying this Victrola 4-40 from a man near where I live. I really don't have much interest in the console phonographs; but, I am interested in the wood finish on this machine. The man wants $250 for it.

According to the data books, Victor only made this machine in mahogany. But looking at these pictures, this one has much more grain pattern than mahogany and looks to me like it is walnut. Underneath the lid really looks like american walnut to me.

I believe Victor made a Canadian model, similar to the 4-40, that could have been in walnut; but, it would have been called a "Barona" The data tag on this phonograph doesn't say Barona, it says 4-40.

Does anyone have any ideas from looking at these pictures as to whether this really might be walnut or not? Any advice on whether to buy or not. Thanks for any help.

I've seen one other American 4-40 in walnut. The machine is exceptionally attractive in this wood. The Canadian version of this model, dubbed the "Barona", is most commonly found in walnut.

[Phonofreak]

Good point. I checked my Victor Data book, and the 4-40 does indeed have a stretcher between the legs.That will be a hard part to duplicate, and could cost just as much or more than the machine is worth. That's something to think about.
Harvey Kravitz

If you do an onsite inspection, look carefully at the legs. It appears to be missing the "stretcher" which is visible in this photograph:



The one I bought about 15 years ago, was also missing the stretcher. I've never been able to find a workable replacement.

Restored, the 4-40 pumps out an amazing sound. It's actually close, in quality, to that of the Credenza, though it doesn't have the larger model's bass response.

Joe

[Victrolacollector]

Thats a nice finish, but that stretcher will be a problem. Also, what condition is the motor, and then it also may need a reproducer rebuild. In my humble opinion, I would not pay more than 150.00.

[Chilesave]

Thanks to everyone for the advice on this phonograph. So it does appear to be walnut. I also did not notice the missing stretcher and will find out about that.

Does the fact that it is walnut, when the data book says they only made them in mahogany, make it rare enough to buy at a premium price?

Also, has anyone tried to have the stretcher made. I think it would be fairly easy for a good wood worker. I have also located a 4-40 in mahogany that is close that they only want best offer for. I could get a duplicate of the stretcher from this machine or rob it to make the walnut one complete.

What do you guys think. Is it worth the effort since it is walnut; or, not worth the effort.

thanks,

[JerryVan]

Chilesave,

The walnut version is probably not common. However, that alone does not compensate for the missing stretcher and the cut-off legs. Especially at the price of $250. The stretcher is missing because someone cut off the legs just above where the stretcher would mount. Because the machine is overpriced already, the additional cost to build a new stretcher and properly extend the legs would make it far too expensive.

I would advise you to pass on this. Always buy based on quality and condition, even in a lower end machine. That way, no regrets and it protects the your "investment". (I don't really believe in phonos as an investment but, I'd like to think I could get my money back if I wanted to. A clean machine with no problems makes that easier to do.)