The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've had a very nice Victor Orthophonic Victrola model VV 8-9 for a while now. You can look up the details on the model, but these are the awesome-sounding orthophonic machines with painted cabinet trim highlights, using the large metal orthophonic horn. They are smaller than a Credenza, but with better high-end response and similar bass response. The book says only 8143 were shipped, in 1928-30.

Ours never attained the status of "daily driver" at our house, because the prior owner had replaced the oak veneer on the entire lid but never stained it, plus it has a spring motor and I hate winding. I never had the wherewithal to try to match the greenish oak stain for the lid.

It has nice original finish and painted highlights, and the knobs/rosettes, grille, and grille cloth are intact and excellent. It also came with a 4-spring rather than stock 2-spring motor installed, but the stock motor is also present (with a broken spring IIRC).

Then I recently obtained both a gutted 8-8 with a great cabinet, and an 8-35 with good internals and a rough cabinet. They will soon be united into a nice complete 8-8. And the 8-9 thus becomes surplus.

So this is to gauge interest in the 8-9, especially since the CAPS meet is next month and I plan to be driving down there from SF at that time. We can make a transaction and hand it off at the meet, or I can hand it to one of the Union attendees who regularly ferry stuff to that meet for other collectors. Or we can also make local and/or direct shipping arrangements.

The soon-to-be empty 8-35 walnut cabinet is also available. It is complete with drawers and doors, except for one door knob, the needle cup, and the tungs-tone tin holder. The entire top has been belt-sanded smooth, and has no finish. Let me know of any interest in this as well.

I will put up pictures of any or all of this stuff sometime this weekend, if anyone is interested.

Here are some photos...

Here's the 8-35 cabinet...

It's almost time for the CAPS show down in LA, in early August. If you have any interest in either the orthophonic 8-9, or the 8-35 cabinet, let's discuss.

I can get one or the other down there to the show, but would like a commitment from a buyer before driving such a thing over that distance. There is also the option of handing off either or both to some of our comrades who provide ferrying services to and from Union.

So have another look at the photos and let me know what you think please.

Thanks.