The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found this place via a SF Craigslist ad last month:

https://schulmanauction.hibid.com/lot/2 ... ef=catalog

Once it got past $700, I passed on another attempt to bid

Before shipping it would have cost over $880 - assuming shipping estimate, would this be worth a little over $900?

Yes... if you want it and can afford it.

It looks very nice & clean. Yes, it would be worth that, even in today's depressed market.

I think the Victor III would be worth $1,000 to me if the cabinet hasn't been refinished. I simply can't tell from the pictures and the words don't say. The only defect I see is a dent in the horn near the nickel elbow, but that is not a show stopper.

I think the Victor machines command higher prices than other brands, and deservedly so, they are solidly built. I have a Victor III just like that and love it. That model is a good choice -- it has a strong 2-spring motor, is common enough to be affordable and is lightweight enough to be easily moved from room to room.

A giveaway if a piece of furniture--and in this regard I include talking machines-- has been refinished is how even the surface is. Normal wear and tear over an hundred years leads to a different look. Scratches will be found here and there. The shellac will be worn off around the brake and speed controls. The shellac will darken. This one has been refinished. Not a problem if that's the look you want. The same applies to the horn.

It looks very nice and, if refinished, looks very authentic and worth over $900. Jerry Blais

everyone, thanks for all the feedback - it seems like original and not refinished are desirable - I still have a lot to learn

Too much money to invest in a common machine, sight un-seen, and then have the risk of shipment from Missouri to California. You can probably find one nearly in your own back yard...be able to lay eyes on it...and not assume the risk involved.
Strange how they sit by the dozens on tables unsold at the shows, yet roll out the risk of an auction hundreds of miles away, and it's the only one on the face of the earth.

And to think: someone paid nearly $900 for THIS!