The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

My first visit to Union was awesome in June and I came home with a truck load of phonos and no plans to buy anything more for a while. About 3 weeks ago (right after Union) an antique dealer called me and asked if I'd be interested in a Victrola he had just picked up. I almost told him no without looking at it, but thankfully he sent me a picture. Turned out to me a pretty nice XVIII with all of its parts.

Some of you may remember that I put one back together a few years ago, and then sold it to a forum member. I've regretted selling it ever since. One finally fell into my lap again and this one, I think I'll keep. It was dirty when I got it, but functional with only the key and albums missing. It was cleaned with Gojo, then Howard's. The gold parts were then cleaned with ammonia. The motor will be services soon, but runs quietly-so good for now. I'll be looking for albums soon!

Very nice find...

Beautiful!

NICE!!!!
Lesson learned. You always check out a lead on a phonograph.
Ken

Very nice find. You will need the same set of binders used in a XVII.

Congratulations! The VV-XVIII is an impressive machine and yours looks to be in great condition.

Andreas

I need to add sorghum to the "strange items found in phonographs" list. A typically Southern find. There was a black tarry substance in rings on the top shelf in the rear of the record storage area. When I scraped it up, it smelled oddly sweet and familiar. It readily washed off with water and once it was wet, the smell was absolutely familiar. My grandfather poured sorghum on his biscuits and pancakes when I was a child. The smell of his pancakes came back immediately to the forefront on my memory. Odd thing to find in a phonograph, but there is was.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/3 ... 63016.html

Thanks for sharing photos of your XVIII. They don't get much better than that! I've never heard of sorghum but DeeDee thought it was something sweet. Can you bring a small bottle to Union next year? We could put it on our waffles at the Quality Inn at Woodstock. Jerry Blais

We'll make a plan to make that happen! My grandfather was from Missouri, but moved to TN in the 40's. I used to ride with him on "business" trips and Sunday afternoon drives. He rarely passed up a chance to by a jar of sorghum. I feel certain that my parents have a jar around the house somewhere. It is still sold here in the South and especially by the local Amish communities. Their (Amish) pickled Okra is especially good also. I have a jar in the fridge right now!

Ah the grand VV-XVIII.
What a beauty--congratulations!

Steve