The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Was the VV XX a standard production run, or were they special ordered? Also, I noticed some VV XX's had Gilding around the carvings. Was this an extra cost, or was it an option included in the price?
Harvey Kravitz

I believe the initial production run of the VV-XX was 500 with hopes of building more. I do not believe they were a special order but I imagine that they were only ordered by high end Victor dealers. Dealers in small towns may have ordered one one for a wealthy customer. They proved to be a difficult sell so they were discontinued after the initial run. I don't know what determined whether a particular one was gilded or not. Every XX that I have seen is designated "VTLA" on the ID tag. I know of one without gilding that is for sale in Victoria, BC for $9,000. Send me a PM if seriously interested. Jerry Blais

No, I'm not interested in one of these. They are above my paygrade. I had a conversation with a buddy of mine and he asked me that question. I didn't know, so I posted the question.
Harvey Kravitz

No, I'm not interested in one of these. They are above my paygrade. I had a conversation with a buddy of mine and he asked me that question. I didn't know, so I posted the question.
Harvey Kravitz

This is coming from a guy that has a gorgeous Idealia. Jerry

I was very lucky with my Idealia.
Harvey Kravitz

Does any one know how many XX's survive...??. It seems later made models were offered sans gilding. Ours is a fairly low number and as far as we know....the only XX with a Canadian Berliner Distributor plate attached below the Victor data plate.

I believe 'Look For The Dog' states 530 units made. The original price was $300 when introduced on February 15 1908. By December, the price was reduced to $250 with 275 units still remaining in stock.