The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Here is a 1917 English Brown Mahogany XVI (just finished tonight), a 1918 Circassian Walnut XVII (mine) and a 1915 Mahogany XVIII (sold), all together for a picture. I think a picture of these 3 models (16,17,18) together and in like new condition (in this case, all fully restored) is rare and most likely not seen in a hundred years since there were Victrola showrooms. I just finished assembling the XVI today and just sold the XVIII yesterday for $3,250 and have to ship it out to Portland on Monday so getting the photo of all 3 while I still had them together was a stretch but I was determined.

Simply glorious! How rare to see so many of these scarce machines together.

Absolutely beautiful!!!!!

All very nice, but the walnut machine... Circassian?

Stunning Jon!

Sheer poetry in form! I wish you were here in the UK - I'd ask you to restore a couple of EMG cases for me (a very easy job compared to those Victrolas).

All three are really quite beautiful. I think that American walnut cabinets are equally as impressive as circassian Walnut and your XVII is American walnut. Your skills at restoring cabinets with the right finish is unmatched. Congratulations. http://wattswalnut.com/grades.php

audiophile102 wrote:All three are really quite beautiful. I think that American walnut cabinets are equally as impressive as circassian Walnut and your XVII is American walnut. Your skills at restoring cabinets with the right finish is unmatched. Congratulations. http://wattswalnut.com/grades.php

although I didn't post the photo for a debate about finishes, I can assure you that the finish you see on that Walnut 17 is 100% Circassian walnut, how do i know for sure? I purchased it from a very reputable veneer supplier and applied it myself, the original veneer was water damaged and beyond repair.

Jonsheff wrote:

audiophile102 wrote:All three are really quite beautiful. I think that American walnut cabinets are equally as impressive as circassian Walnut and your XVII is American walnut. Your skills at restoring cabinets with the right finish is unmatched. Congratulations. http://wattswalnut.com/grades.php

although I didn't post the photo for a debate about finishes, I can assure you that the finish you see on that Walnut 17 is 100% Circassian walnut, how do i know for sure? I purchased it from a very reputable veneer supplier and applied it myself, the original veneer was water damaged and beyond repair.

It’s a forum, the whole point is dialogue, debate and conversation, no? Either way, was the original veneer Circassian? If so, was it identified as such on the patent label in the record storage area?

This isn’t to downplay the quality of the work or the look of the case, which came out great, but even if you purchased and applied new Circassian veneer, it doesn’t appear cut in the manner that allowed for the really bold book-matched graining (and no doubt multiplied the cost) of the original Victor Circassian cabinets that generally makes them pretty immediately distinguishable from the more standard and far less dramatic walnut finishes.

Just an excellent display.. I had to run out to make sure what model I had. I have a XVI. It plays well and I imagine all the ones you restored play well. Good job. Tom