Need price opinions

[welshfield]

There is a pretty decent Victrola IV for sale at a local antique mall for $185. I already have one so it's not necessary for me to acquire this little guy. I don't know if this is a good price or not. I could buy it for someone on this forum if this is a good price....or buy it to have a pair of them....or just let it go. I mostly worry about someone buying it to break up and sell the parts. What would you do?
John

[Hailey]

With today's market, even at that price, it would need to be correct, requiring no input of money to get it working. Plus, the case would need to be good as well. Personally...I would offer them 150, and if they accepted it, I would keep it on hand and pass it to a beginning collector to help promote their interest in the trade.

[Phonofreak]

If this is an early VV IV with a flat bar, female crank, I would go for it. Especially, if it has the stamped metal grill behind the doors. The motor is similar to a late Victor I, The arm is the same as a late Victor I or Victor II. These early Victrolas that use outside horn Victor parts, are very nice and desirable. If it is your typical run in the mill Victrola IV, I would follow Hailey's advice. These machines are common, and turn up very frequently.
Harvey Kravitz

[welshfield]

Thanks to you all. It is not such an early one. I think I will pass on it even though it is so nearby. It is in very nice shape although the soundbox needs a full rebuild. Probably all original motor meaning who knows when it will need spring and/or governor work. I really do not need two of them and am unlikely to run into a new person interested in the hobby as I do not really associate much with new people of that ilk.

[Victrolacollector]

Hi Welshfield:

I agree with what Harvey (Phonofreak) said. These early VV-IV machines are more desirable, I purchased one for $ 150.00, I think, but had to wait 3 years to get the parts for it. It took me till January 2014 for a ratchet gear to pop up, and till about June of this year for the proper tone arm to show up. I have about $250.00 into it but it was worth it to me.

My rule of thumb is, consider all things working on these VV-IV machines, a run of the mill one (the common ones with wood slats and male crank) should be $ 100.00-150.00; If it is the stamped grill and early model, then I would pay up to $ 250.00 for it.

I just dont play my early VV-IV or VV-VI often, as parts are harder to get and more expensive since they are same as external horn machine parts.