The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

phonogfp wrote:That's a stunner, alright. I'd have a hard time letting that one go!

George P.

Jerry B. wrote:I freely admit I love the early Victrolas. Without exception they are unique interesting machines and offered for a brief moment in talking machine history. I recently found such a machine. It's an oak Type M XIV with a serial number of 9723. That puts it very late in the initial run of unique XIVs. Shortly after this machine was made, Victor changed the entire lineup. The result was a series of models that look like a group of brothers from age 10 to 20. They look undoubtedly related from small, medium, to large. It was a great business move for the Victor Talking Machine Company but I consider it a bit boring from a collecting standpoint.

The early Victrolas are not boring and this XIV is a perfect example. The serial number places it in the first 3% of all Victrola XIV production. (Victor Data Book) Also consider how unusual it is to find an oak example. Maybe 10% were made in oak. I purchased this machine from a local antique shop. The owner is a friend and he told me he took it out of a house where it's been since new. I believe this to be true. But look carefully at the photo showing the horn. I'd swear the horn is made from mahogany. Why would Victor place a mahogany horn in an oak machine? The machine is in good original condition and the case has suffered no trauma. It's not like a horn wears out and needs to be replaced. I wonder if an oak machine was made when ordered and the mahogany horn was given the same stain as the rest of the oak cabinet. I don't really know but it makes collecting interesting.



The "as found" photos show a machine that needed very little. But to make it look its best I cleaned the cabinet with Gojo followed by Feed-N-Wax. I also cleaned all bright gold parts with ammonia. Some missing knobs were located as well as a gold needle cup. I'd estimate I have five hours invested in this Victrola but this is what I enjoy. I'd love to keep this machine but there is no room in the basement. I am proud to deliver it to the new owner when I go to the APS Show.

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote: But look carefully at the photo showing the horn. I'd swear the horn is made from mahogany. Why would Victor place a mahogany horn in an oak machine? The machine is in good original condition and the case has suffered no trauma. It's not like a horn wears out and needs to be replaced. I wonder if an oak machine was made when ordered and the mahogany horn was given the same stain as the rest of the oak cabinet. I don't really know but it makes collecting interesting. Jerry Blais