The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have found a V 3 that has a working motor for sale. I’m trying to assess the rarity of the machine. Motor works and horn has no dents. I understand this machine is not super uncommon, but my question is there some 3s more uncommon than others? I have permission of seller to post.

Common does not mean that it is not desirable. The one that you show looks to be a typical and probably untouched example. I have a II Humpback and a III. They are two of my favorite machines. The cabinet On this one looks like it could use a good cleaning and the motor and reproducer should be serviced. If the price is decent and you desire that type of iconic machine, then rarity may not be such a big issue. If you want a truest rare machine, that is not the machine for you.

Django wrote:Common does not mean that it is not desirable. The one that you show looks to be a typical and probably untouched example. I have a II Humpback and a III. They are two of my favorite machines. The cabinet On this one looks like it could use a good cleaning and the motor and reproducer should be serviced. If the price is decent and you desire that type of iconic machine, then rarity may not be such a big issue. If you want a truest rare machine, that is not the machine for you.

Thanks. I don’t want a rare machine - I want this machine. I have a 6 & an 11 and just want an external horn machine to complete my collection . It’s owned by someone in my life & have been told to “give them a price” for it. They aren’t a collector & I just wanted to make sure this isn’t some rare machine ; because I don’t want to rip them off

It's a very nice machine and a very worthy candidate for a cleaning and light restoration. Meaning, it most likely should not be stripped. Hope you get it!

Looks like a nice unmolested example waiting a good cleaning. What is the seller asking for it?

When that machine was made and you look only at Victor machines they rank:

Victor VI. (least common)
Victor IV
Victor V
Victor I
Victor III
Victor II (most common)

Any of the Victor machines is desirable but none is actually "rare." I hope this helps.

Jerry Blais

Phono-Phan wrote:Looks like a nice unmolested example waiting a good cleaning. What is the seller asking for it?

They’re aren’t asking a price. It’s someone close to me asking me to name a price. That’s why it’s tricky. I’m guessing I can’t ask what it’s worth here - but I have an idea based on condition, model, rarity, etc....

From what I’ve read there is no real reliable way to date these machines?

The Victor Data Book (Baumbach) has the serial number, I think. I have a Victor III from (I believe) 1909 and it is one of the best table phonographs you can get if you don't mind the bulk of the horn.

I would say it's worth whatever they want to sell it to you for? I see very nice ones sell for around $1000 sometimes, but they look new. This one will need cleaning, mechanical restoration.

These sound wonderful; I hope you can get it.

I think a Victor III is a very desirable machine because it is attractive, has a powerful two spring motor, and the tone arm and reproducer are the same as the top of the line Victor VI. It is an excellent performing machine.

Jerry Blais

Does the ID tag say "V 3"? Does it have a slotted crank? If so, it's early in the Victor III series. Personally that adds a bit of interest more than extra value. But others might assign a different value to early features. The black Victor Flower horn is more typical of later Victor horn machines. Of course original owners often bought the latest style of horn to keep their machine current.

Jerry B.