The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I went to an estate auction yesterday and to my surprise there was a Pathé' and a box of about 40 vertical discs to match it up for auction. It looked as though I would be the only bidder at $50 until Mr. Antique dealer came in at final call and bid me out of my range (last time i show up with only $150, sheesh).

To add insult, i noticed he did not remove the tonearm or platter before lifting it sideways..ouch.

Anyway, the next item was this crusty old VV-105, where I couldn't say no at $25. I know nothing about it and it will probably sit untouched until at least the summer..too many projects on the table atm!

Don't feel too bad about losing-out on the Pathé`... they have yet to impress me.

For $25, I think you got a swell deal on the VV-105... heck, most times you can't even get a decent #2 soundbox for that.

Despite all the dirt, the machine looks pretty intact so-far... when you get it cleaned-up and running, it will be a fine machine ( Far better than any Pathé`, I dare say... ).

I've been to many auctions where some swell with deep pockets chiseled-in "at the last minute" and "stole" MY machine...

Good luck when you get around to the 105 !


Regards,

De Soto Frank

Well, 40 vertical Pathé discs would have been a nice bonus. But there is always another time. Nice catch on the VV-105.

Andreas

De Soto Frank wrote:Don't feel too bad about losing-out on the Pathé`... they have yet to impress me.

The Pathé machines made in America during the teens and early twenties have extremely plain looking cabinets and are not very visually inspiring to look at. However, I would not discourage interested collectors from buying one. Their motors are not as robust as the Victors, but certainly can play well enough. Replace the reproducer gaskets and you can have a really good playing machine. The records themselves can run the gamut from poor to excellent sound. The recorded talent on those records can also run the gamut from terrible to terrific. The European Pathés are quite a bit more interesting, but much harder to find in America.