The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This has to be the best Christmas present my parents have ever gotten me. Its a Victrola XVI E from 1913 that is all original right down to the completely un-faded felt! I honestly have to say this is certainly a Christmas to remember. They initially said that they weren't going to get one but I am extremely happy they ended up getting this model. Long story short I go to this place in New Hampshire every summer where all my relatives are which has a huge Victrola XVI E in the living room. That Victrola is what sparked my interest in phonographs when I was six years old and that interest has only increased in the past eleven years. Inside I found many patent label Victors, including this great Bob Roberts recording, and a bunch of bamboo needles and a bamboo needle cutter.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Steve

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QPsh_36ahQ[/youtube]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QPsh_36ahQ

What an elegant machine. There is something unexplainable about a well preserved mahogany Victrola. They exude quality, substance, and invite you to stop and relax for a moment while you enjoy a record. Jerry Blais

What a nice Christmas gift. Sounds great.

Merry Christmas and what a nice present. I have a Victor XVIII and enjoy it very much. Keep changing those needles!!

Stan Stanford
Portland
www.clarphon.com

It is a beautiful Victrola!

Congratulations on the nice Christmas presents, Steve.

oldphonographsteve wrote: Inside I found many patent label Victors,

Ahhhhh...patent label Victors. The black label patent label Victors are among my favorite early records for collecting and listening. Most have incredible clarity and volume and there are some wonderful comedy titles on that label. I have yet to figure out what it is that makes the Victor Patent label recordings sound (generally speaking, to me!) much better than the Victor Bat Wing label but they do.

I'll never forget the day that I purchased a few black patent label Victors that were in near mint condition in their original sleeves. One was #16103, "If I'm Goin' To Die, I'm Goin' To Have Some Fun" by Arthur Collins. I played it on a Victor M in my collection and the sound was breathtaking.

Again, congrats on the Victrola and the bonus of the patent label Victors inside.

Doug

Great present. Did it come with all or some of the record binders..?.
Congrats!!.

gramophone78 wrote:Great present. Did it come with all or some of the record binders..?.
Congrats!!.

Alas, the only remnants of the original record binders were these. Also, there was a broken crank inside there as well. It makes you wonder how steel can snap like that.

-Steve

A clean machine, a fun Bob Roberts record, and a bamboo needle cutter with needles too!
That's a Merry Christmas!

James.

Good for you!

Bill