The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
There is a nice untouched oak horn Vic II on the Albany N.Y Craigslist. They are asking $2000.
Pete

This machine is literally down the road from me. I have no interest in it since I've got my share of Victors, but if anyone here is interested, I'd be happy to check it out for them and I could get it to Wayne this April at no charge. It looks like a very nice original. It's also been listed awhile, so they may come down on the price.

Sean

I saw this Victor II in person just before Christmas 2014 (just under 2 months ago) when I purchased a decent Climax external horn disc phonograph (an early Columbia client machine with Hawthorne & Sheble parts) from this same gentleman that has the Victor II. The Victor II in question here is in excellent original condition and I would have purchased it myself at that time along with the Climax phonograph if I didn't already have a decent Victor II exactly like this one. At that time he was asking $2400 which I also felt was a bit steep in spite of the fine condition. Shortly afterward he listed the Victor II on Craigslist for the same price he offered it to me ($2400) and since then he lowered the price to $2200 and then to $2000 as it is now. I'm actually a bit surprised that he has lowered the price as much as he has since he seemed pretty firm at $2400 when I looked at it. He's a really nice guy and I enjoyed visiting with him when I was there in person for the Climax. For what it's worth, he also has a pretty sweet Victor VI but he has no interest in selling it at this time.....I asked!

Doug

$2400, right, now I remember! It certainly looks like a nice later II which, if it's anything like the later II I had would have a quieter motor than the earlier humpback IIs had. I don't think his price is too far out of line with that horn, either. My offer stands, if anyone here has interest, let me know and I'll be glad to help and bring it to Wayne for free.

Sean

Nice machine - beautiful. Would you recommend a Victor II or a Victor III for a nice quiet machine if I actually plan to use it to play records?

I'm thinking about your offer Sean, as I will be at Wayne and may be in the market for a nice playable Victor with a wooden horn like this one.

Tod

Tod,

That's a tough question. The II is known for having tracking issues and personally I prefer my III for playing even though it has an earlier and somewhat noisier motor. That said, this II is a very nice one and the smooth Oak horn isn't one you'd find nearly as often as a speartip one. It really comes down to what you like more than anything else, as it should be.

Sean

Hi Sean,
I looks like there is a crack at the top of the horn. Do you know how bad it is?
Pete

I don't know, Pete. I've not seen the machine in person.

Sean