The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

For some time I have wanted another L door Victrola, (I had to thin the herd when my father needed to live with us). I prefer Oak to Mahogany. I have located an oak L door within a days drive, (round trip). They want $750.00 for it. The condition looks to be very good, but the price seems a little high considering the current market. I was wondering what a ballpark value would be. Thanks

I know, prices have dropped a bit since, but I paid more than that for my mahogany L-door. If I was looking for one in oak and had a lead on a nice one I would not hesitate too long. Sure, you might find a run down mahogany one on e-Bay for $450, but oak is a completely different ballpark.

JMO
Andreas

I sent them a deposit by PayPal and will be picking it up on Saturday. I do love the Oak machines and I appreciate the advice Andreas. It didn't take much to push me over the edge on this one.

I agree, that’s a good price.

Though it’s a slightly different animal, I paid $3000 for my Oak VTLA L-door about a year and a half ago.

Thanks to Andreas for the extra push over the edge. I picked it up last Saturday. The shelf needed the back end replaced, and fortunately I had a nice, turn of the 20th century piece of oak to match). After staining and shellac, it looks as if it were always there. I knew that the bullet brake was in disrepair, but it was all there, so that turned out fine. The spindle gear that drives the governor was damaged and I have a replacement coming. That said, she's a beautiful beast and I am very pleased. There is something special about the Oak machines. My iPhone never does these machines justice. Much nicer in person.

I just added a picture of my Oak Victrola bookends. Both have beautiful figuring, but they are very different.

Looks like you did well. The grain on that cabinet is beautiful and it looks like it cleaned up nicely. The few L-door Victrolas I've seen in the wild around here have all been in abysmal condition.

Congratulations on your purchase. The graining on that L-door is spectacular! Steve L.

WOW!!! Very nice and for a good price. I love the wood grain.
Ken

Glad to be of assistance. Congratulations to this beautiful machine. My L-door is my favorite player, even though I have newer machines that may have a better sound. That oak grain on yours is simply stunning.

Andreas

Beautiful wood grain! I think you did very well!

Bob S.