The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is an “as found” Victor “Humpback” II.
Just how we like to find them!

Needs an original reproducer, (no problem).
Also needs one corner column capital.

Interesting that the horn appears to never have had a decal?
Also interesting is the “early” crank.

Looks like someone marred the spindle, and also used Edison weights on the governor.

All I have done is lubricated and adjusted the motor, and it plays great!

I will include a replacement escutcheon.

"SOLD"

Cheers, Bob S.

Come on people!
This machine is easily worth $1300 in parts, (NOT THAT I WOULD PART IT OUT!).

Crank $100
Elbow $150
Tone Arm $100
Back Bracket $200
Yolk & Screw $ 50
Bracket Screws $ 35
Turntable $100
Horn $150
Escutcheon $ 25
Speed Control $ 20
Brake $ 75
Motor $125
Cabinet $200
=====================
TOTAL $1330

This machine should easily sell for $1500 on Ebay if I restore it.

Bob S.

Well, I just couldn't help myself, installed the correct original Victor governor weights and springs.
The motor purrs like a kitten!

Cheers, Bob S.

Does anyone have an original Corner Column Capital?

Zwebie wrote:Come on people!
This machine is easily worth $1300 in parts, (NOT THAT I WOULD PART IT OUT!).
Bob S.

I agree, and it's such an early example (the 3352nd example manufactured). I don't recall ever seeing a slip-on crank on a humpback II before. I'd be interested to know about when the change was made to the threaded crank. Mine's #41998 (threaded crank), so that's not much help!

Don't lose heart, Bob. It took a few weeks for me to sell my friend's collection here, but eventually folks stepped up for every item (and thanks again to all who did). I suspect many Forum members go several days between visits. Give it a little time - it's an interesting machine for a very reasonable price. Good luck!

George P.

I've got some pieces of corner columns. Send the measurements please. Jerry B.

If I wasn't across the pond I'd have been sorely tempted, love these victor machines

If I had not recently purchased one I'd be all over this for $1100!

I've got some pieces of corner columns. Send the measurements please. Jerry B.

Thanks for the offer Jerry!

But, you know how it is, you get to fiddling with these things and it's hard to stop.

So, what I did is swap the corner capital from the left rear to the right rear, since it is the one most easily seen.
Then I cut up some old original finished spare pieces and made a left rear corner capital.

I think that it came out well, and is hardly noticeable.

Cheers, Bob S.

Please somebody buy this before I get out the GoJo!

Gosh, I'd never know that capital had been replaced. You do nice work, Bob!

George P.

Well, nobody stopped me, so I got out the GoJo!
It's amazing how well that stuff works!

I use a soft toothbrush when I clean a nice original finish with GoJo.
That way it keeps it's original but well cared for looking finish.
(Steel wool seems to take off too much of the finish and makes it look re-finished).

I cleaned the hardware with Scrubbing Bubbles and a soft brush.
It cleans the dirt off, but not the original patina.

It's always such a fine line when cleaning, it's easy to go too far and destroy the originality.
I think that it came out well!

Cheers, Bob S.