The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Make: Victor
Model: VV-240
Serial #: 35720
Year(s) Made: 1923
Original Cost: $115
Cabinet Material: American Walnut
Turntable/Mandrel: 12 inch
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Victor #2 (Rebuilt)
Motor: 2 Spring (Rebuilt)
Horn Dimensions:
Reproduction Parts: None
Current Value: n/a

I know that a model 240 is nothing too special, but this one is special to us. This VIctrola has been in our family since purchased new by my great aunt and uncle in 1923. Somewhere around the mid 1930’s it was placed in the attic of their home (now our home) where it stayed until about 1990. My brother took it then but it only served as a conversation piece and did not operate. I acquired it about 3 weeks ago. Since then I have cleaned and rebuilt, and lubricated the motor, including the mainsprings, rebuilt the soundbox, and generally just given it a good cleaning. It is operating and playing records very well. All of the finish is original and as you can see, exceptional for being in an unheated and uncooled attic for 45 years or so. It is now setting in the living room of the 116 year old home where it was first placed when new, 97 years ago.

"American Walnut", Very Nice!
Great to have the history and keep it in the family.

Cheers, Bob S.

Congratulations on having a family phonograph! That's something one cannot simply go out and buy. And how many phonographs that age are sitting in their original homes?

I hope you enjoy it for many years - -

George P.

Welcome to the Forum--and what a way to come on board, with a family piece like that!

Nobody is going to hate on the Victrola 240. Personally, I love that style--it really has a more 1920s look to it than the tall case which makes me think of Edwardian interiors. It really matches the house and the decor you have it in.

You've done a great job on that old finish, too; walnut is beautiful wood.

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:Welcome to the Forum--and what a way to come on board, with a family piece like that!

Nobody is going to hate on the Victrola 240. Personally, I love that style--it really has a more 1920s look to it than the tall case which makes me think of Edwardian interiors. It really matches the house and the decor you have it in.

You've done a great job on that old finish, too; walnut is beautiful wood.

Well said. Be sure to add photos of the original owner and a written history to an envelope inside the 240 for future generations. Provenance adds value to any antique. I wish I had even a brief history of the owners of my machines.

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:Welcome to the Forum--and what a way to come on board, with a family piece like that!

Nobody is going to hate on the Victrola 240. Personally, I love that style--it really has a more 1920s look to it than the tall case which makes me think of Edwardian interiors. It really matches the house and the decor you have it in.

You've done a great job on that old finish, too; walnut is beautiful wood.

Thanks. There really was very little to do to the finish other than cleaning off the dust and a little lemon oil. I was amazed how good the finish was after setting in the attic all those decades!

audiophile102 wrote:

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:Welcome to the Forum--and what a way to come on board, with a family piece like that!

Nobody is going to hate on the Victrola 240. Personally, I love that style--it really has a more 1920s look to it than the tall case which makes me think of Edwardian interiors. It really matches the house and the decor you have it in.

You've done a great job on that old finish, too; walnut is beautiful wood.

Well said. Be sure to add photos of the original owner and a written history to an envelope inside the 240 for future generations. Provenance adds value to any antique. I wish I had even a brief history of the owners of my machines.

Excellent idea! I will do that. Thanks.

You are so fortunate to have a family piece.

Jerry B.

It's a rare and special thing to have a machine that never left the family. I often look at the Featured Phonographs. It is nice to have details and pictures of the variety of machines that entertained people during the first third of the 20th century. Thank you for sharing your machine. Is your VV-240 going to remain an only child?

Yours is a wonderful tale, with a very happy ending, which too few can experience.

Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your heirloom, and especially, thank you for sharing it with us.

Best,
Fran