The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Greetings!

I am calling on the "EXPERTS" on the forum to assist me to gather here, a somewhat opinionated, yet constructive request of data that you believe is your view on machines and values. I realize that the book of discernment of values are there, and though dated some, hold some truths. However, in TODAY's market, we are each buying, some selling machines based on our "desire" and "seller opinion".

I would REALLY appreciate an honest guesstimate of experts or frequent purchasers/sellers, (which is all of us), on a very specific list. The answers do not need to match, they merely need to be your honest opinion. I know they may be diverse but that is totally what makes this so interesting, especially with UNION approaching.

OK~ here goes!
I would like a TOP 15 machines, VICTOR VICTROLA EJ machines ONLY list from 1900-1929!! (Internal and External machines, including period and special finishes/artwork finishes!) ~of the most highly sought after machines now, beginning with number 1 as the MOST sought after, on down, and YOUR opinion of value of this machine if it were in GOOD original operational condition!!! how many do you think exist?

I really want to see this and hope a LOT of people will please comment. I think it would be valuable not only to me, but to the board! Each person here has different locations, experiences, etc and would be so valuable to see what you would list for yourself.

I realize it sounds a LOT like homework! and it is!! lol... I have been wanting to see something like this for a long time. and would greatly and tremendously appreciate the time it takes to answer this!!!

Thanks so very much ahead of time for doing this. I can hardly wait to see your thoughts and values, and see the diversity of it. I hope it will be from your own processes and not what you have been told. Your opinion drives us and the market. An economics professor once said to me, its not what something is doing that counts, or what someone tells you, its what you THINK it is going to do that facilitates ALL ACTION!

Thanks again so very very much! LH

( getting my popcorn and adjusting the sofa-pillows )

Ms. Hawke,

Even more subjective than what value should be placed on the top 15 Victors, is what Victors should appear on the top 15 list in the first place. To cut the magnitude of complexity in half, maybe you could suggest a list of the models you consider top 15 and the appraisals could begin there?

While maybe it's not in the top of the heap but I truly love my Victor RE45 plays all my 78's even the ones a little rough around the edges with clarity and oomph great sound pretty cabinet but not an acoustic machine the only things it has in common with them is it made by Victor and uses steel needles. but it is a great period piece and has a place in Victor history
Dwight

I can't do 15, but I'll submit my favorites, both currently owned and on the wish-list:

Berliner "Trademark" machine ( wish )

Victor "Monarch" ( wish )

Victor V and VI ( wish )

Victor Auxetophone

Victrola IX ( my first Victrola )

Victrola XI, golden oak ( quintessential, affordable, upright Victrola )

Victrola XVI, L-door red mahogany ( my favorite is the VTLA suffix B, with the carved frieze below the lid.)

Orthophonic 8-12

Orthophonic Credenza / 8-1 / 8-30

"Auditorium" Orthophonic ( do any still exist ? )


Well, there's ten anyway...

Top 15 would be tough-- There are so many beautiful and unusual Victor machines.

Perhaps-- My "Vic NO6" (very early serial number) with mahogany grained brass-bell horn. Hard to beat it for rarity--
The Auxetophone is a marvel to me-- I'm still hoping to find one in an attic somewhere.

**But way up on my list would be my Victor M with extended arms and 27" horn--picture attached. The machines with factory modifications fall into that 'Premium' category for me. Value? I'm happy with what I paid for it and it came from a dear friend and fellow collector. Whenever I'm faced with parting with my collection, it will be one of the last machines to go.


Brad Abell

Here is MY top 15 as I think TODAY, lol. that could change hourly.

Louis XV Vernis Martin period

Moorish Marquetry

Auxetophone

Victor Deluxe Monarch

Victor Toy

Any period model

Vernis Martin

Victor XX

Japanese or Factory ART Victrola

Type A or B

Flat lid Pooley

Victor VI

Victor XVIII

Victrola 80 Radio

Circassian Walnut any

One of a kinds/made to order machine
that's MY list.. for now.. thanks!