The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Any member that happens to own a Victor VI below serial #1643....can you please examine your licence paper on the bottom of your case. I would like to know what price is stipulated. It should be either $105 or $100.

Please note, this price will be printed onto the label in bold; not hand written.

I appreciate any and all assistance from the members.

While we are at it, can you also state if your motor has the bearing race please.

Here are examples.... Wayne

#965 - Sorry, label missing.

Thank you Jerry.

Regarding the bearing race. Thanks to a member that has come forward with #40** which has the bearing race and knowing #4203 no longer used this race....... it would seem the elimination of the bearing race was made around this time in production.

I was also reminded the Victor VI serial numbering "shipped" was started at 507. There are examples known below this number.

Also according to the Data Book, over 3000 units were sold during the last quarter of 1904.

There was also a motor board change between #4203 and #5884 (both with bevel gear motors). #4203 motor board is still constructed in four quarters. By #5884, the motor board was constructed with straight boards with a molding applied around the outer edge.

Now we just need to find a VI with a serial number below #1643 that shows the price.......anyone...??? .

Well thanks to a forum member to kindly provide us with additional info. We now know Vic.06 #121* has a $100 marked on the licence label. It also has the bearing race.
Since this machine is numbered lower to #1643 at $105. This possibly rules out all early Victor 6's were priced at $105.

So, here is what we have found to date.

- The first data plates were stamped "VN06" to at least #121*. The next data plates were stamped "6" to at least #5884.

Last, we know the last group of data plates was stamped "VIC.VI" until the end of production.

- It also seems the ball bearing race was used under the table until at least #400* and was replaced by a cup by #4203 but still using the beveled drive gear motor.

- We know motor boards by #5884 were constructed with two straight pieces of mahogany with the molding added to the edge. Earlier motor boards at least up to #4203 were constructed with four mitered quarters of mahogany.

We still need to hear of any Vic.6's numbered lower than #1043. If you feel more comfortable in PMing me your data.....that's OK too...

S/N 600 but sadly, no label on the bottom of the case.

Serial number 1677 is $100

JLH wrote:Serial number 1677 is $100

JLH, Thank you so much. It has been duly noted.

I still hope to hear of another pre-#1643 with $100 or $105.