Cecilian and Victor questions need help with a few machines

[Colorado]

Good Afternoon,

I am posting here in hopes of some information and/or advice. I have 3 old phonographs, One is a cabinet from Cecilian, One has the Victor tag on it with serial numbers and the Third one doesn't have any distiguishing marks on it but has a horn that goes with it..

These belonged to my Grandfather and my father has had them stored inside for years but never tried to play them or restore them. At this point I am not prepared to restore them and I need to figure out if anyone wants them or if I should just dispose of them. That is why I am posting here to see if any of you could help me.


I also have about 50 Edison Diamond Discs and about 30 old Columbia and Victor 78 records that were with the Cecilian.
Thank you.

[VanEpsFan1914]

Incredible finds! That one with the horn is a Victor Talking Machine, Model III and it's in beautiful condition though I suspect re-finishing--but still, it's a Victor III. EVERYBODY wants a Victor III. They run great, look great, sound great-- they're a perfect record player for the old 78s.

So if you're "disposing" of these, let me know where's the dumpster!

The Cecelian is a Montgomery Ward phonograph--they were a catalog store like Sears. The little Victor is a VV-VI, or Victrola VI. (Victrola the Sixth, and Victor the Third, technically. But collectors have shorthand.) Anyway, both of those are pretty nice. They aren't super valuable but they would definitely work great if restored.

If you wanted to learn more to keep them, we can fill you in; if you'd like to sell them, hopefully you can find a buyer but don't take any offers until you know what you have and whether you'd like to hang on to it. An old phonograph doesn't give a great first impression when it runs at first, but after repairing they sound absolutely wonderful. I use a Victrola XIV and a Columbia portable regularly, an old Edison cylinder player, and (after I got very lucky) a Victor III. It now has the same style horn as yours.

And by the way, welcome to the Talking Machine Forum!

[Colorado]

Victor V thank you for the information. I do not want to keep and restore any of these items. I have no idea what they are worth and the only thing I have been able to find are items listed on EBay.

Does anyone here on the forum help with price evaluations or anything like that? I am not looking to make a fortune on these items.... but I would prefer to get them in the hands of someone who would appreciate them.

Thank you again.

[52089]

Victor V thank you for the information. I do not want to keep and restore any of these items. I have no idea what they are worth and the only thing I have been able to find are items listed on EBay.

Does anyone here on the forum help with price evaluations or anything like that? I am not looking to make a fortune on these items.... but I would prefer to get them in the hands of someone who would appreciate them.

Thank you again.

You can put a "for sale" ad here in the Yankee Trader part of the board, being sure to follow the rules for posting there. You should also post your location (yes, I know your username is Colorado, but I'm not going to assume that's where you are.)

[Jerry B.]

For values you can go our Trader section of our Forum. Many sellers leave the asking price of an item when it sells. Others. even lower to the actual price if an offer was made and accepted.

As for Ebay, the meaningful information is found when you do an "advanced search" for a particular item. If you just search for "Victor phonograph" or "Victor Talking Machine", or "Victor Gramophone" you will find only asking or starting prices. Just because someone lists a similar Victor III for $3500 does not make it worth that amount. By doing an advanced search and clicking on "completed" or "sold" listings you will zero in on a more accurate value.

After looking at your photos, my impression is the Cecilian has little value and you're best to sell it locally through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. If complete and working, the Victrola VI should be a good playing little machine. In good working condition with a serviced motor and rebuilt reproducer in the $150 range. Less or much less depending on what work is needed. The Victor III has good value even as a project. If you have any interest, this is the machine to keep. Do your homework on this one.

Most of us are buyers and it's tough to be both an appraiser and a buyer.

Jerry Blais

[Colorado]

Thank you for the information. I will do some research.