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http://www.ebay.com/itm/121544706180?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT


flaws?

The description is poor... "oak case" da,... "metal horn"... da, "has winding crank"... da The given overall dimensions really don't help. I would want to know:

Is it an early one with an 8" turntable or a late Vic 1 with a 10" turntable?
Are all the parts original?
Is the motor reasonably quiet?
Does the motor "thump" while playing?
With the reproducer down in a playing position, does it come very close to the spindle? (indicates correct tone arm and back bracket)
Does the reproducer need to be rebuilt?
Does the reproducer have a round or triangular needle hole?
Is the paper label still on the bottom of the case?
Has the horn been repainted?
Has the cabinet been refinished?
Have any of the bright parts been re-plated?

The photos in the ebay listing show some of the details and answer some of my questions but you take your chances with ebay. Jerry

This appears to be a very complete, unmolested example. The items that Jerry listed as being nice to know certainly would be that, however, chances are the seller wouldn't begin to know the answers. If I were looking to buy a very nice, original Vic. I, this would be one that I would pursue. It may have some mechanical issues but they are usually easily rectified. The important thing here is great original finish throughout.

Actually, this is an early large case Victor I.This was the first style to have the large case when Victor did the changes in 1909. This one has the 8" turntable, bullet brake, and bracket & tone arm used on a Victor II. This also has the very hard to find Victor #17 horn. That is the horn that is 17" in diameter. These horns are very tough to find loose. The horn and the machine looks like it's been together since day 1. This is a great example of an unrestored, unmolested machine.
Harvey Kravitz

Round vs Circular needle whole - What would that signify?
Thanks for the information!

71769 wrote:Round vs Circular needle whole - What would that signify?
Thanks for the information!

That would determine whether the reproducer could accommodate bamboo needles (triangular hole): at some point, Victor made this change (you can look it up here). That would help to date the reproducer.

I would second the previous opinions: that this appears to be in decent original condition.

Bill

I know this machine, as well as the other one that this seller has listed. The seller bought these at the David Scheiter auction a few months ago. Dave was a good friend of mine. These machines were just set aside by Dave and never done anything with. I do believe they are fairly virgin machines. Dave found these machines years ago in rural Missouri. The sellers are not phonograph people, so don't expect them to know anything.

Hailey wrote:I know this machine, as well as the other one that this seller has listed. The seller bought these at the David Scheiter auction a few months ago. Dave was a good friend of mine. These machines were just set aside by Dave and never done anything with. I do believe they are fairly virgin machines. Dave found these machines years ago in rural Missouri. The sellers are not phonograph people, so don't expect them to know anything.

I will have to agree with Hailey. Both of these machines look complete and untouched. The only concern I would have are the 12 negative feedbacks the seller has. Not just the the number, but the comments are alarming.

If what Hailey says is true...."the sellers are not Phonograph people" I would be very worried how they are handled and shipped. Also, the cost the seller will charge.
This is a good example of wanting to pick up yourself... .

By the way, as stated on the other thread by you.....it is always recommend to buy a book or two to get familiarized with talking machines in general.
Maybe one of the Paul-Fabrizio books as a good start... .