The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I figure that it would be unfair for me to ask for any kind of appraisal but would anybody mind giving me their opinion on approximate value?
It's in pretty rough shape. No crazing but several dings and significant delamination on the two doors.
It runs smooth and the speed control works. The break will need some work.
My other choice is a 1913 VV-VI with 12" turn table that is in better shape for $200.
My goal for this is to give it to my young son for Christmas (it was actually my wife's idea). He and I found and own together our XVI and he loves polishing it and listening to it with me but I would like him to own one of his own.
I won't have enough time to buy anything on line and have it shipped before Christmas. I have a $300 budget and my local options are very limited.

Hello,
If it were me I would wait for one in better condition to come along. I bought one in real nice shape a couple of months ago for $75 off our local Craigslist and it came with three needle tins. If you can live with the damage to the mahogany case and are just looking for a present for your son to play 78 records than go for it. However I wouldn't pay any more than $75 for it. In theory the reproducer and tone arm are worth that much.
Pete

If the VV-VI is in better working and cosmetic condition, I would opt for that. At $200, it's not a bad deal (maybe negotiable? $150-175) and leaves some money on the table for records, dusters, needle tins or whatever. One of my first Victrolas was a VV-VI and I really liked it. I eventually gave it to my sister, who still has it, to start her collection. The VV-IX is basically a VI with a lid, in my opinion and the one shown is not in great condition for that price.

Oh, by the way, I got interested in this hobby by attending an auction with my dad when I was a teenager, where we bought a Victrola together...

One more consideration is that a VV-VI is a bit easier to carry around than a IX.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:One more consideration is that a VV-VI is a bit easier to carry around than a IX.

George P.

I will second this! I grew-up with a VV-IX very much like the one pictured. Almost takes two people to move.

You'd definitely want to replace the tack-bumpers / furniture glides on the feet: most times the glide is missing, leaving an ugly nail-head exposed, ready to gouge whatever the machine is placed on.


This is a mid-run example: with feet, but still has the first style arm and Exhibition sound box. I wouldn't be surprised if it has the "crescent" speed control. Circa 1914.

Thanks guys.

There's a nice looking table model Victrola on Fredericksburg craigslist for $250. I think it's a VV-VIII. I'd say it is a better value than a mahogany IX in so so shape. You might buy it with a $200 cash offer. What do others think? Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:There's a nice looking table model Victrola on Fredericksburg craigslist for $250. I think it's a VV-VIII. I'd say it is a better value than a mahogany IX in so so shape. You might buy it with a $200 cash offer. What do others think? Jerry

I sent Chris a link to that but he's already been in touch with the owner who is away till after Christmas.

Why people advertise stuff for sale when they are going to be gone is beyond me but it is what it is.

You guys really do surprise me that you would take the effort to go as far as search for a machine for me! Thank you.
I'm going to pick up the VV-VI that I found at a local antique shop later today.
I'm not going to even knock the dust off. My boy likes the process of cleaning up our dusty treasures and bringing them back to life. I think that I'm creating a monster that a future wife is going to have to deal with.

CMcPherson wrote:You guys really do surprise me that you would take the effort to go as far as search for a machine for me! Thank you.
I'm going to pick up the VV-VI that I found at a local antique shop later today.
I'm not going to even knock the dust off. My boy likes the process of cleaning up our dusty treasures and bringing them back to life. I think that I'm creating a monster that a future wife is going to have to deal with.

We're always willing to help create monsters that might wind up being nuttier than we are. That way, we can point you out to our spouses when they get on us for our addictions and say "Hey, at least I'm not like McPherson!"

Oh... you thought we were being nice? You fool.