Victor D: Is it all-original?

[eighteenbelow]

I picked up this Victor D a while back and have just gotten around to giving it a thorough inspection. The reproducer is definitely not original, but I'm wondering about the crank -- it looks pretty much like the one on my Victor V, whereas most of the Victor D's I've seen pictures of have the flat-shank crank. Could both be correct, or is mine definitely incorrect? I'm also wondering about that extra thing on the speed control, which I've never seen before but which works well (I think it's basically a pointer to show you where in the speed cycle you are, and to keep you from turning it too far one way or the other). Could that have been factory- or dealer-installed, or did someone add it on themselves later? Finally, the horn is definitely a Victor, but I've never seen one of this style so large. Is it period-appropriate? Could it be original to the machine? Does it have a name ("Classroom" or "Concert Hall" or whatever)?

[52089]

Sorry, but the first thing that jumps out at me is that extremely worn out record. Hopefully you know that needles are supposed to be used only once and then discarded? Needles are widely available for $5 or so per hundred, so there's no reason not to use new ones.

And whatever title that is, I'm sure someone here can help you find another copy for just a few bucks.

The reproducer looks like an Orthophonic. You would want an exhibition for that machine, or perhaps an earlier reproducer than that.

[eighteenbelow]

Those are not my records. And as I said, I know the reproducer isn't original; what I'm wondering about are the crank, the speed-regulator and the horn. I'm also wondering if the ID plaque was mounted on different sides of different machines -- I've seen pictures where the plaque is in the front of the case, but mine is on the side opposite the crank.

[Ripduf1]

Hi, Everything except the reproducer is correct. The speed control is factory on the early D's (you have a low serial number), The horn is just Plain BIG, the biggest they offered, but period correct. The rod style crank is also correct. D's were rod style based on the Victor catalog presentations of D's. (MS were flat cranks based on catalog images.)The tag on the side is also correct on lower serial numbers. It appears to be a very nice machine. You would want to find a Victor Exhibition with a round hole needle chuck or a Victor Concert reproducer to make it complete. You are good, stop worrying about it. John

[Jerry B.]

Looks like a sorry mess to me. Eighteenbelow, when the snow melts I'll be around to collect the mess.

Everything but the reproducer looks outstanding to me. The speed control is a desirable variation. The D should have a large horn. In my opinion the larger the better. The brass belled horns with black bodies have a letter designation. Without checking a catalog I think the biggest had a 2' bell and was about 36' long. I believe a rounded crank is correct. You should be able to tell is it's original by the cut of the slot and the position of the wear on the escutcheon. Overall you have an outstanding and very desirable early Victor D. All you need is a nickel plated Exhibition. I'd advertise for one with a round hole needle bar. Congratulations! Jerry B.

[Jerry B.]

Just curious, does the elbow have limit pins or the more substantial raised portion that limits rotation? It should have an elbow with limit pins to be absolutely correct. Jerry B.

[Ripduf1]

Jerry, When double clicked the image gets quite large and the elbow looks correct with an interesting variation, It appears to have a "blade" support brazed on the bottom curve of the elbow to support that massive horn, Pretty Cool! John

[Jerry B.]

The positions of the ID tags moved around a bit before the "normal" position became opposite the back bracket. Perhaps the position was influenced by earlier front mount machines.

Jerry B.

[Phonolair]

Congrats, it looks like a nice fancy case Victor D.
The speed control is correct for this machine.
The style of crank that I have seen on these early D's are the smaller slotted flat crank.
Your large horn looks like the Victor model L horn. About 3' long and 23" across the bell. It was a horn available and seen on the larger machines.
As far as your ID plate. Look to see if there are any small nail holes on the front of the case indicating the ID plate was moved or always on the side of the case.

Larry Crandell

[Jerry B.]

When double clicked the image gets quite large and the elbow looks correct with an interesting variation, It appears to have a "blade" support brazed on the bottom curve of the elbow to support that massive horn, Pretty Cool! John

That's a very practical modification. My mentor collector, Ira Dueltgen, used to remove his big horn to give his Victor V a rest. I miss that guy. Jerry Blais