The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

1. Am I correct that an original Vic II "humpback" should have a round hole Exhibition and a tone arm with the "plug-in" rather than the "screw-in" crook (using the terminology of The Victor Data Book, page 26?

2. Is the horn elbow the same one used on the Vic III?

Clay

A round hole Exhibition would be nice but remember, many Victor and Victrola owners had the needle bar changed when the triangular needles became available.
*
The horn elbow for any Victor II is different than the size used on Victor III and up. The large end of the horn elbow is the same as a III the but small end, where it fits into the back bracket, is smaller.

Jerry Blais

Clay, Please see attached image. John

I should have mentioned that Ron Sitko sells very nice reproduction Victor elbows including the Victor II size. I would avoid the aluminum elbows regardless of their usually low price. Jerry

This particular elbow size is also used on the larger case (10" turntable) Victor 1's as well.

Jerry B. wrote:I should have mentioned that Ron Sitko sells very nice reproduction Victor elbows including the Victor II size. I would avoid the aluminum elbows regardless of their usually low price. Jerry

Thanks Jerry. I have one of Ron's elbows on my Vic III and they are nice.

Clay

Ripduf1 wrote:Clay, Please see attached image. John

John, thanks so much for the catalog pages. Looks like this time The Victor Data Book has it wrong, as it shows the H black and brass horn as being the standard one instead of the G.

Clay

Clay, one of the first incarnations of the Victor II (with 8" turntable) used a "N" horn and the "H" horn as an option. So, there were many changes not only in case style, but also in horn arrangements during this models lengthy production. This may need to be taken into consideration while reviewing the "Data Book".

gramophone78 wrote:Clay, one of the first incarnations of the Victor II (with 8" turntable) used a "N" horn and the "H" horn as an option. So, there were many changes not only in case style, but also in horn arrangements during this models lengthy production. This may need to be taken into consideration while reviewing the "Data Book".

Victor Humpback II.JPG

I know to use the data for the specific model I am interested in. The data I was looking at is the data specifically for the Type M, popularly known as "the humpback." It incorrectly lists the standard horn as the H. The H and the black flower horn were optional upgrades according to the catalog John kindly provided. It is referred to as the "Improved Victor II," but is clearly a type M. Note the feet and the back hump. Of course it is possible that it changed from a G to an H during the run of the Type M circa 1905 to 1909. I have no way to determine that from the material I have at hand.

The model in your catalog illustration with the 8" turntable is the model that preceded the Type M.

Clay

I understand Clay. This may be where the possible error may stem from. This early Victor catalog showing the "Hump Back". is in error.

The Victor III is pictured where the II should be and the II where the III should be.
However, this is just speculation on my part.. .
Maybe another member can produce another catalog showing differently to match the "Data Book" info.