The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Last year I acquired an oak Victor Victrola VV-VIII. The machine has the 1916 era double spring motor, with the plain sliding speed control. This machine while somewhat noisy, can pull through a couple of ten inch records with no problem.

What I have noticed about this machine is that it seems that few of them show up for sale on auction sites, and when they do, they sell for less than 200.00 each.

I think they are nice little examples of a lidded Victrola.

Any thoughts from collectors on this machine?

The VIII was never a huge seller and was easily outsold by the Victrolas on either side, the VI and IX. The VV-VIII was only in oak and was the smallest Victrola with a lid. Compared to many Victrolas, the VIII is somewhat unusual plus it has great style. I think it's a terrific little Victrola.

Jerry Blais

Victrolacollector wrote:Last year I acquired an oak Victor Victrola VV-VIII. The machine has the 1916 era double spring motor, with the plain sliding speed control. This machine while somewhat noisy, can pull through a couple of ten inch records with no problem.

What I have noticed about this machine is that it seems that few of them show up for sale on auction sites, and when they do, they sell for less than 200.00 each.

I think they are nice little examples of a lidded Victrola.

Any thoughts from collectors on this machine?

I don't see any pictures? But I need one of these.

I didn't know what it was, so I had to look it up: http://www.victor-victrola.com/VIII.htm

Interesting little model. Never know where they'll turn up....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-Model-V ... SwbYZXVEXt

I have an VIII and I love it! One of the first machines I bought after getting in the hobby it came from Ebay. The pictures looked good and the seller said that it aws nearly mint-it was. He packed it like it was his first born and it got to me in perfect shape. I like it because it does not take up as much room as my IX and its great in a small room. Its sitting on my office desk now. Because of its condition I have never thought about selling it!
Abe

I really enjoy my Victrola VIII. It is a very rugged machine that doesn't take up a lot of space. It can play just about any size 78 RPM record with ease.
Harvey Kravitz

Fifteen years ago, I was negotiating for a machine I wanted very much, but the seller had a VV-VIII that he insisted went with the deal. I still have them both!

This VIII is sometimes set up on our front porch or back deck (depending on the time of day) during the summer. They're nice little machines for sure.

George P.

They are dandy table top Victrolas! I acquired mine this past March from Craigslist. Serial 1591 (1911). I am 4th owner since new. Top is a little rough, but I like aftermarket reproducers brush and unsupported tone arm. Can't account for crank (should be flat shank like George P's). Good runner. Here are some pics.

Here is better photo showing position of crank.