The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I followed this auction eBay Item #131697672238 as it was in my current neighborhood but was surprised at the bidding! I guess I'm missing something here (not unusual for me) but looked awfully risky?

I agree with you WJW this does look like a fun but challenging restoration project. But that price?

I am guessing that several bidders had a nice horn and elbow looking for a home to chase after this project.

Bruce

I followed it as well and was very tempted, but simply don't have the funds right now. Not sure why you thought it was risky? There were plenty of clear pictures, the machine seemed complete aside from the horn and getting a Victor V under $1,000 is rare. To me it seems very restorable.

Andreas

Needs a lot of TLC, but doable.

Clay

I don't think it's beyond hope, but speaking for myself, I think I'd want to see it in person before spending this kind of money on it...

On the other hand, restored V / VI machines seem to be commanding $3k-$5k, depending on the quality of restoration and type of horn...

Perhaps if my restoration skills (and bank account) were in better shape, I'd be more willing to take the gamble.

Views on the auction much appreciated. Thanks-Bill

If I remember correctly the machine in the auction needed a horn ( $400 for collector quality metal to $1200 for oak), elbow ($175 to $250 for original), crank ($100 for original), elbow clip & screw ($50), some cabinet repair, and probably a good service for the motor. So right from the start you'll looking at paying around $800 and up to get the machine in good order. In my opinion the machine in this ebay auction sold for too much money.

It is somewhat difficult to take a project machine and accumulate and assemble the missing parts. When I look at a machine I expect it to look like it came through the years as one piece. I expect to see some age in the finish of the cabinet. I want to see similar condition on the nickeling of the bright parts. When you mix and match parts you sometimes lose that appeal. Also, it is very difficult to nickel some of the parts and not all of them. It just doesn't look correct. (more opinion)

If you enjoy a good project, an I personally do, you need to go in with your eyes open. There is the satisfaction of bringing a machine back from the brink and it's difficult to put a dollar amount on personal satisfaction. If your goal is a nice Victor V, I think you can do better buying a quality machine in the Trader section or at one of the better phono shows.

Jerry Blais

Sounds like very reasonable advice, Jerry.


A couple years ago, I picked-up a two-door credenza, which had sat in a collector's dry barn for 30 some years, and had offered-up its tone-arm and reproducer, needed a grille-cloth, motor work ( broken spring ), and general cleaning and freshening.

I shelled-out $300 for the machine, plus 4 hours / 175 mil round-trip to fetch it, another $100 for a tone-arm, $80 for correct grille cloth, and I still haven't addressed the motor or the cosmetics. Plus, most folks prefer 4-door Credenzas.

I'm not saying the machine is a lost cause, but it is doubtful I would ever recoup what I have in it, even if I "just got it playing" and tried to sell it.

I'm not in this hobby to make money, but, I don't want to lose money on machines when it's time to sell them.

My little story on a "common" machine...

Someday I hope to have a Victor V or VI...

Thanks for your comments !

Frank

alang wrote:I followed it as well and was very tempted, but simply don't have the funds right now. Not sure why you thought it was risky? There were plenty of clear pictures, the machine seemed complete aside from the horn and getting a Victor V under $1,000 is rare. To me it seems very restorable.

Andreas

Andreas, what bothered me was the advanced corrosion of steel parts and the turntable aspect to the motorboard which might be a bent spindle or
turntable. Yes, the photos were quite sharp and I could have asked to see it since it was close-by but the bidding eventually scared me off it. -Bill

It does look as though it spent years in some place very damp, which does give pause.

Clay