Introduction and Question about Victor I

[auctioneer]

Hi,
I have been the proud owner of a Victrola IX for many years, which my wife bought for me on our anniversary. I also am an auctioneer and have a nice looking Victor I that we'll be selling in a couple of weeks and am trying to find a bit more info. Is there a way to reference date to serial number? Seems like I have found this info before, but can't now.
Here's the one I'm researching:




Any help would be appreciated. Looks like you folks have a lot of good info to share here.
Thanks,
Terry

[Tinkerbell]

Hope you are able to find the information you are looking for... perhaps somebody more knowledgeable will see your post and respond. I looked on the Victor-Victrola website (which is probably what you were referring to?), but this is what it has to say about your particular model as it pertains to production dates for serial numbers:

The Victor I started out as the "Victor Z" model in 1902, and then was transitioned to the "Victor R", as design enhancements were made. The Victor I nomenclature was formally introduced around 1905 when the tapered arm was first used, but there was some overlap in production with the older names. Selling for $22.00, it featured a single-spring motor, a small brass horn, and a tapered tonearm. The cabinet was made of oak. The Victor I was produced up until 1920, by which time it's price had been raised to $30.00. Approximately 94,000 of these phonographs were produced. At present, there is not a good correlation between serial number and production date for this model.

Good luck to you.

[auctioneer]

Approximately 94,000 of these phonographs were produced. At present, there is not a good correlation between serial number and production date for this model.[/i]

Good luck to you.

Perhaps that's why I can't find a date reference to this machine. Thanks so much for such a quick reply!
Terry

[FellowCollector]

Judging by the serial number and the earlier cabinet you have one of the earlier Victor 1 models. What is somewhat unusual on yours is the lever type Exhibition reproducer. These lever type Exhibition reproducers seem to be found on the earlier model Victor 1's and I have personally seen a number of them equipped as such. Most Victor Exhibition reproducers have the thumb screws to secure the needle. Sadly, in spite of their interesting design, the lever type Exhibitions simply did not secure the needle tightly enough - at least that has been my experience with them. For collectors interested in this somewhat elusive reproducer I would expect your Vic 1 to do pretty well relative to the selling price. It seems to be in fairly good original condition and the brass bell horn is appropriate for the earlier Vic 1. Doug

[Tinkerbell]

What is somewhat unusual on yours is the lever type Exhibition reproducer. These lever type Exhibition reproducers seem to be found on the earlier model Victor 1's and I have personally seen a number of them equipped as such. Most Victor Exhibition reproducers have the thumb screws to secure the needle. Sadly, in spite of their interesting design, the lever type Exhibitions simply did not secure the needle tightly enough

Just learned another interesting thing today to file away for later retrieval! Thanks for that bit of info.

[EdiBrunsVic]

After studying the photos, that record on the turntable appears to be too new for the machine. Perhaps an older acoustic Victor record would look and sound better. The above posts have good input. That is just a suggestion.

[AZ*]

Have you looked at the bottom of the case? Victor usually stuck a paper label there containing patent and date information. The labels were updated from time to time (at least every year or 2), so if the label is there and legible, you will know that this machine was made after that date.

In any event this machine is pre-1909, and probably dates from 1905 or 1906.

[gramophone78]

Being an auctioneer I guess you already know that the value of this will be determined by at least "two" people.The lower Victor models (like the lower Edison machines)have taken a big hit in value.I would be very surprized if this sold for more than 800.00 tops.It may sell for a lot less.It is also just an up graded Victor front mount "Z".The money (IMO) is in the reproducer.Best of luck on your sale.

[auctioneer]

Have you looked at the bottom of the case? Victor usually stuck a paper label there containing patent and date information. The labels were updated from time to time (at least every year or 2), so if the label is there and legible, you will know that this machine was made after that date.
In any event this machine is pre-1909, and probably dates from 1905 or 1906.

Thanks AZ. Here's a pic of the label. Guess next question is when did they stop using the 1902 label?
Terry

[Zeppy]

I don't have my Victor data book handy, but I can tell it is the first version of the Vic 1 (I have one of the same vintage). I can see the tab from the round disk brake under the record. Later versions used the bullet brake. The turn table should be an 8" beveled cast turntable. The beveled turntable and round brake weren't used for very long so I'd guess the 1902 date range isn't that far off.

As was mentioned, these small machines have taken a huge hit in this economy. A few years ago, this machine would probably get you at least a grand. Recently, I've seen machines minus a horn go for as little as $300. Complete machines as low as $600. The plus for your machine is that it appears to be in excellent condition, and is complete (and the early version0. Your horn looks to be virtually dent free, the cabinet is in excellent condition, and the label is in perfect condition, and on top of that, you have the hard to find Exhibition reproducer with the lever (the reproducer alone goes for over $100). If there was a Vic 1 that could buck the economic trend, I'd think you have a good chance.