The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

We occasionally see higher end Victor machines in cabinets other than the typical wood. For example, I've seen a Victor MS or D in mahogany. My question.. Did the buyer of a Victor V have any choices of oak finishes? Victrola buyers had a variety of finishes to choose from. Did horn machine buyers have choices? I ask because I recently bought a Victor V with quite a dark oak finish. Thanks for any replies.

Jerry B.

Great question Jerry!

I've actually never thought of this but have definitely seen variations in the finish of some of the oak cabinets I've seen. I've always attributed it to the cabinet being exposed to different environmental conditions but really, what do I know?

I recently found a late Victor V the was finished in flemished oak with a wood horn. The late models may have been made for the foreign market like the Victor V in mahogany.

Here’s a photo of my slightly darker Victor V. It has been refinished. Bob, we’d love to see your Victor V.

Jerry B.

I believe this was possible based on a few examples: the existence of a mahogany Monarch Special, and a walnut Victor no. 31 horn. It would seem to make sense that this horn was sold with a Walnut phonograph cabinet of some Victor outside horn model. As to what options were available is still a mystery.

The sky's the limit for clients with the money to make special requests. Special finish requests exist as well: A gold-plated Berliner trademark Gramophone exists, along with a gold-plated Victor C.

Scott

c5fan wrote:I recently found a late Victor V the was finished in flemished oak with a wood horn. The late models may have been made for the foreign market like the Victor V in mahogany.

I'd like to see a picture of this one. Sounds very interesting.