The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A month ago a guy who had been talking to my mechanic nephew wanted to know if he knew of anyone
who collected victrola's. So my nephew said yeah my uncle. To make a long story short the guy
calls me and said he had one for sale. I went and looked at it and to my surprise it was a 1909/10
C model L door, in really rough exterior shape, but I saw the potential and wanted to save this
machine. I offered him 100.00 for it and spent another 300.00 on it rebuilding the reproducer and
having the frame straightened (it was separated about ¼ inch on the right front and left rear
corners)like someone had dropped it when moving it, plus it had been kept in some place really
damp and the veneer had separated in a few spots but not broken. So I had a friend of mine work
on it for me and well I'm posting some picks as it looks now. I'm also posting a couple pics of
a Standard model A I purchased from Tim Fabrizio recently. I will appologize for the pics as they
are from my camera phone.

Gene

Your VV-XVI "L-Door" is absolutely gorgeous; the restoration work is wonderful! You have a terrific phonograph and I'm sure you are enjoying it as much as I enjoy mine.

Spectacular job on the Victrola. I bet the nice red horn gets lots of comments from your guests as well.

Bruce

The Victrola looks great!

George P.

Very handsome indeed . I think the L doors sound better than most Victrolas of the Exhibition sound box era.
Jim

Thanks for all the great compliments guys, the L door does photograph
nice, however it does have some dents and scratches in the finish, but
hey it's 105 years old. The sound is great and the mechanics run
smooth and strong. Like I said in my initial post it screamed SAVE ME
so I couldn't resist.
Gene

Gene, your "L" Door really looks fabulous. How did your friend manage to straighten the cabinet? I assume he had to break some glue joints? I would be terrified to try to do that, but, I'm no wood worker, either.

I like the Standard A, also. Tim did a beautiful job! I've been watching for one that I can afford, it's on the "short" list (that seems to get longer every week).

Fran

Great restoration... that is exactly what gives you a good feeling... salvaging the derelicts.

Fran, your exactly right he did have to break some glue joints and use some
super big clamps, I'm glad I wasn't there to see it! But all in all he was able
to straighten it out, but it's still about a 1/16 or less off, but a lot better
than it was. I like pieces that are original and have been enjoyed for many years,
all my victrola's are oringinal condition, pretty much as found minus the dust and
dirt and cobwebs. I've been pretty lucky to find the one's I've gotten, good prices
and decent condition. My brother tells me I'm starting a museum
I Love this hobby and these old machines, and the workmanship that went into making
them, true americana! When we were great! Your absolutely right Curt.
Gene

Lenoirstreetguy wrote:Very handsome indeed . I think the L doors sound better than most Victrolas of the Exhibition sound box era.
Jim

I agree completely!