The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently purchased a very late Victor II and the tone arm and elbow have no traces of nickel plating. I remember seeing a Victor I with similar parts at CAPS years ago. Several friends have suggested that the nickel was worn off from repeated polishing but there is not a trace of nickel plating even in the creases. Did people intentionally wash off the nickel chemically because they wanted a more golden look from polished brass? I'm not sure if I will nickel plate the parts or leave as is. What do others think? Jerry Blais

If the nickel was removed that thoroughly, it was probably done by reverse electrolysis...

I think the nickel plating was removed. It should be replated.
Harvey Kravitz

Here are some photos of my late Victor II. I had the two spring motor serviced and I had the tone arm and elbow plated. They did a great job and removed the dent from the elbow.

I think this is a very interesting Victor II. The serial number is about one hundred from the end of the series (Thanks Bob B. and his Victor Data Book). Every mechanical feature including the reproducer, tone arm, motor, brake, crank, and crank escutcheon are borrowed from Victrolas made at the same time.

The horn was decorated probably by the original owner. The flowers were cut and glued to the horn and additional decoration was added to make them blend in. I know it's not factory original but I like the embellishment and don't have the heart to repaint. To me, it's part of its good history.

Jerry Blais

Looks great, Jerry. That's a real end-of-an era machine.

George P.

That is a very nice machine, Jerry. Like a VV-VI with external horn. I agree, the horn looks good, I would not repaint it.

Andreas

Gorgeous machine!

Jerry, the plating looks great! Who is the "they" you referred to that did the work? Also curious to know where you had your motor serviced. I think it's pretty wild that Victor made these open horn models so late and fitted them up with Victrola parts! My 1907 Vic III only came to me in May, and I was surprised at the audible noise the motor made (not audible at all when a record is played). I was told that the early brass gears had a courser pitch with the larger teeth, and the noise is "normal" for machines of that age. So I am guessing your much later Victrola motor runs very smooth and quiet compared to the early ones. So neat that the last open horn machines had "the best of both worlds".

It sure looks nice Jerry.You really restored it nice. That should be a keeper. These late Victors are pretty scarce.
Harvey Kravitz

Our own Forum member CDBPDX (Cliff B) did a great job servicing the motor. McKenzie Plating in Springfield, OR did the plating. I probably should keep the machine but I'll probably sell it. Thanks for the kind comments. Jerry B.