The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone, or has anyone ever made new reproduction boxes for the Early Victrola VV-XVI (VTLA)?
It does not look that difficult to make decent boxes, appropriate size boxes and covering, pull rings, stencil with gold paint "A" , "B", would make the early machines look so much better.

Victrolacollector wrote:Does anyone, or has anyone ever made new reproduction boxes for the Early Victrola VV-XVI (VTLA)?
It does not look that difficult to make decent boxes, appropriate size boxes and covering, pull rings, stencil with gold paint "A" , "B", would make the early machines look so much better.

The L-Door books and VTLA boxes would be pretty easy to make. I have never had a need, so I never really pursued these. The pulls would be easy to make and the letters and the dog artwork for the printing on the side could be had pretty easy as it is one color. You could do a single screen or Pad print. I can't say I have ever calculated the cost to make, but I think that if you could get your box wrapping really efficient, you could be pretty competitive.

I actually looked into making these and the Electrola/Orthophonic first gen changer boxes several years ago. I even went as far as getting the front dome molding made, covering paper, and other parts for the Electrola boxes. At the time the going price for on original set was around $450. With the labor, materials, and some setup fixtures, I could not get the price low enough to make it worth the effort.

Good luck in your pursuit and if you do come up with something I would love to see your work.

Mark