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I picked this up at an auction this week and would appreciate any information on this machine.

Wonder why it has two crank holes? This one has had motor swaps done in the past. But it's still at least a candidate for a full restoration because that motor in there presently looks like an original double-spring--at least to my fairly unpracticed eyes.

I couldn't figure that out either. I don't see any signs another motor was ever mounted?

You purchased a very desirable "Rigid Arm" Victor E also called a Monarch Junior. The rigid arm machines were the first Victors to have a back mount which made the horn independent from the tone arm. You have a wonderful and very worthy project.

Jerry Blais

Some quick observations and suggestions:

The crank escutcheon in the photo showing the missing corner column in the upper right (I think the fifth photo down) is an escutcheon from a later Victrola. It should not be there and I believe that hole needs to be filled.

The empty hole near the correct crank escutcheon is for the release of the top board. You need those parts.

The crank looks old but it's not correct. It sticks out too far. The black knob generally indicates Victrola. The slotted cut looks professional but I think it's a modified Victrola crank.

The little knurled top of the speed control is missing.

Part of one of the corner columns is missing. (Personal message me the measurement of the gap. I may have what you need)

Any rigid arm Victor is an unusual machine. They were briefly made before the much more common tapered arm models were introduced. Because it is unusual, it is worth your very best efforts. Depending on your skills it is worth having the Concert sound box (reproducer) rebuilt. It is worth having the motor professionally serviced. Perhaps the most important repair should be the filling of the extra crank hole. It is well worth the expense of having a professional fill that hole and use his woodworking magic to make that hole disappear. Yes, it can be done. If you'll send a personal message I'll direct you to someone with those skills. The horn needs to be professionally straightened and polished.

Your machine is worth your best efforts both in skills and expense. . There are fellow Forum members that can help with both the rebuilding if the Concert sound box as well as straightening the horn. Good luck with your project.

Jerry Blais

Thanks Jerry. That is great information. I will be in touch via PM this week.

The elbow looks like it needs work, too: these are often deformed by the weight of the horn.

The E would originally have had a shorter, flat crank, as well. Check out victorvictrola.com for more information.

Good luck with your restoration!

-Bill

The elbow looks like it needs work, too: these are often deformed by the weight of the horn.

I wondered about the elbow as well. A Victor front mount elbow have a 90 degree bend. The very similar rigid arm elbow is over 90 degrees so the horn tilts up a bit. This one may be bent down a bit or it may be a front mount elbow. Experts?

Jerry B.

The elbow is correct for a rigid arm. The "not threaded end" for a rigid has the collar which contains a reinforcement ring for the rear mount arrangement vs the more common front mount brass elbow which would have the rubber insert. The threaded end is identical on the two styles. JD

Here are some photos of my Vic.E. Although it is a front mount machine, i think that there are some shared characteristics in the areas you have brought up. I included a pic of the brake because I couldn't see one in your pics. Hope this helps,

Jim