The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently acquired a Victrola 4 spring motor, 2 each double spring barrels. Each spring barrel was stamped 12 where I'd expect 17 to be stamped. Did Victrola produce a 4 spring motor using 12' springs or is this motor made with spring barrels from other motors? I've never seen this before.

Thanks! Cliff

CDBPDX wrote:I recently acquired a Victrola 4 spring motor, 2 each double spring barrels. Each spring barrel was stamped 12 where I'd expect 17 to be stamped. Did Victrola produce a 4 spring motor using 12' springs or is this motor made with spring barrels from other motors? I've never seen this before.

Thanks! Cliff

Some VV-XIVa machines of 1918 to 1920 vintage have the 12' springs, presumably to allow Victor dealers to point out a performance difference to justify the higher price of the VV-XVI. I seem to recall seeing a couple of 110 machines with the shorter springs, but they usually are fitted with 17' units.

Thanks! Cliff