The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found this on my local craigslist and it's close but I know nothing about these vivatonal machines but I can tell the legs are gone and it's in rough shape but it looks good for this price. I would be interested in this as a machine to play around with and get to learn these machines, what model is it and is it fair?
-Tom

Sorry forgot the link http://columbus.craigslist.org/atd/4596802430.html

This is a 1926 Viva-Tonal model 650. This phonograph has been cut in half. It doesn't have legs, but does have feet and a record storage cabinet with two doors. This has been cut away leaving only the horn cabinet and lid. It has two springs, 43.5" tall, and has a nice looking grille, if it's still there. I don't think it's worth more than $50 as no collector would want something this butchered, but the parts might be worth it. There was a 650 model here in Los Angeles for $200 in excellent condition on CL, but I missed getting it. I own a big 800 model Viva-Tonal. The 600 models were the small uprights. The 700s were the medium size, and the 800s were the Credenza sized models.

The photograph from the Craigslist ad, and one from another seller online that shows what the 650 looks like intact:

Well I decided why not, today I picked it up and everything under the lid is AMAZING it's almost in mint condition except for the top inside of the lid which has a little veneer chip but the motor is silent and the tonearm glides with a simple touch. The cabinet That's a different story, it's missing the grill and the door handle is what replaced with a cheap plastic one and the cabinet is missing lots of shellac and has deep scratches. Does anyone know where I can get a stencil of the grill and a door handle similar to the original, I would like to not waste a lot of money on this.
-Tom

P.S does this use the same gaskets as a victor exhibition?