The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

eBay Item #254644317353 Hi, I am looking at this ebay item. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal or not? I really don't know anything about uprights. Just like the looks of the quarter sawn oak. Hopefully I added the link right. Thanks for your help. Tom

Phonotom wrote:eBay Item #254644317353 Hi, I am looking at this ebay item. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal or not? I really don't know anything about uprights. Just like the looks of the quarter sawn oak. Hopefully I added the link right. Thanks for your help. Tom

I'm no egg spurt, but it looks like a really decent deal on a very attractive machine to me!

The oak generally adds desirability. If you are looking for something to resell, then probably not a good buy. If you are buying it because you really like and want it, then it is probably a good deal. I pay by what it is worth to me because I collect what I like, but not everyone shares that sentiment. Value is personal. I would pay it, but first I would ask if the finish is original and would also ask for pictures of the back, sides, and one with the lid closed.

This looks like a very nice XVI. The wood graining is beautiful. These models used to cost much more.

You're buying the condition. If I didn't have a phonograph I would consider this a wonderful bargain on them. It being a 1918 model means, I think--correct me if I'm wrong--but isn't this when they switched over to the good Burton motor? I see the newer Victrola No 2 soundbox (which sounds incredible if you get it rebuilt.)

This is a massive machine but it's about top of the line. Anything higher and you're buying woodcarvings and a different case style. This is as good as a standard upright Vic would be.

And don't worry about not knowing about uprights; they're like horn phonographs inside out with more wood. Personally if it weren't for space constraints and my proclivity for cool old horn phonographs I'd have a mix of all of the uprights I could get. They're a lot nicer to store than a horn machine & are lots easier to handle than a tabletop--no need to hold them down while cranking, for sure.

Go for it if you have room. You wouldn't regret a Victrola of that quality, especially after a rebuild. I have some great old horn phonographs but I play my upright the most.

If it's a XVI then go for it dude! It's the flagship Victrola!

A common machine in uncommon wood and condition. That's higher than I would ordinarily pay for a XVI, but this one is an exception.

I wouldn't hesitate on that machine-- The oak grain is beautiful-- I suspect you're not the only one thinking about it-- Don't wait too long to decide or it may be gone.

Brad Abell

I can't be sure with out seeing it in person, but it looks like it's been stripped. The oak might have been much darker when it left the factory. If you get a chance to get eyes on it, you might like it so don't let me dissuade you. Pictures can be effected by lighting.

I think it's a good buy but how far do you drive to get it? Jerry