The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have recently inherited a 1923 VV-100 victrola with all original manuals. I believe it is American walnut ffinish but I am not sure.

Can you please help by looking at pictures and giving me an idea of value?

I also have a few hundred records and I have no idea how to value those.

https://imgur.com/gallery/N2VxO

I'm gonna let others who know a lot more about this than I do give you a better answer, but in my opinion it's walnut. And indeed the VV-100 was available in this wood; see http://www.victor-victrola.com/100.htm

To judge by its appearance, your machine looks to be in great shape. If its mechanicals are in order, you've got a real gem there!

If you are selling this machine, it might be best to list it on ebay and let the market decide.
Harvey Kravitz

Looks like it's in somewhat average condition. If it plays well and the gaskets aren't dried out, your sweet spot is $150, with the absolute maximum being around $200.

RolandVV-360 wrote:Looks like it's in somewhat average condition. If it plays well and the gaskets aren't dried out, your sweet spot is $150, with the absolute maximum being around $200.

So even if walnut it I not worth anymore? I thought I read that walnut finish could be valued as much as 10x an oak or mahogany?

Greydawg00 wrote:

RolandVV-360 wrote:Looks like it's in somewhat average condition. If it plays well and the gaskets aren't dried out, your sweet spot is $150, with the absolute maximum being around $200.

So even if walnut it I not worth anymore? I thought I read that walnut finish could be valued as much as 10x an oak or mahogany?

I suppose you're right! I have little knowledge when it comes to values of finishes, and even less when it comes to even recognizing finishes. You have a valid point, and my estimate should be disregarded.

Greydawg00 wrote:

RolandVV-360 wrote:Looks like it's in somewhat average condition. If it plays well and the gaskets aren't dried out, your sweet spot is $150, with the absolute maximum being around $200.

So even if walnut it I not worth anymore? I thought I read that walnut finish could be valued as much as 10x an oak or mahogany?

Walnut machines are not found as often as oak or mahogany because they cost more originally. I have no idea what the value of your machine is though. There was a Walnut Victor listed on Ebay last week that ended with no bids.It did not get even the $399.00 starting bid which surprised me.

Your machine is definitely walnut... Values are hard to estimate, since they depend on collector demand and suppy. Someone looking for specifically a walnut machine would be willing to pay more for that wood option than someone just looking for a nice VV-100. You are right to assume that walnut is more desirable (to some collectors) than mahogany and possibly more so than oak, although many collectors prefer oak machines mainly for the appearance of quartersawn oak.

Is your intent to sell it or are you just trying to get an idea of value? Personally, if I inherited something from my family, I would keep it and enjoy it. Who knows, it might start you down the road to a collection... and you might find that you actually enjoy the music.

The 78rpm records are common at around $1-2 each, UNLESS there is something unusual in the bunch... It would be hard to explain what might or might not be "unusual", if you have no knowledge of what the titles, labels or performers are. It will be a tedious task to list all of the records individually with information on the performers, titles and what label they are on, along with the condition of the records, but that will be the only way for you to determine if anything stands out...

After looking at it again, it appears to be in excellent condition and even has the original key... I would definitely keep it, as values may improve in the future and the walnut is not common.

Circassian walnut machine are rare and expensive. American Walnut is scarce, but does not fetch too much of a premium. Victrola machines with American Walnut veneer become increasingly common the later that they were made. Your machine is rather late, say 1923 vintage. Remember that the Victrola 100 was the successor to the fantastically popular Victrola XI. Betweenthe two designations more than a million of these machines were produced. This probably accounts for the lack of enthusiasm. Now if it was a Circassian Walnut VV-XVIII, then THAT would be a horse of a different color.

Now, we must note a couple of things. First, a walnut machine will probably be more immediately sa!eagle than a mahogany example, for it will probably have abetter appearance. Walnut did not require the thick finish needed to polish mahogany,and so it is not as likely Tobe disfigured by checking.

That said,few people get excited about a Victrola 100, thought because versions with the flatter lid and large horn are beginning to attract some I retest, for they are not easily foundries days,despite the ubiquity of the model.