The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've owned this 1918 Victrola XIV for years, and am wondering if the cabinet is American Walnut. I wasn't positive if this was being offered as an option for this model at the time. The machine is in exceptional original condition.

Undoubtedly American walnut and quite a beauty.

Walnut, but the grain pattern makes me think possibly circasian . I don’t believe I have seen an American walnut one so figurative

Here are some additional photos. I do not know if oak was a standard option of the XIV during this period, or if it was available at extra cost. There is no price listed on the label - I wonder if this might indicate that it was a special order machine.

Sure looks like American Walnut to me, and a very nice one too!!

The grain figuring looks very similar to our c.1929 American Walnut dining table. Absolutely gorgeous!

Best,
Fran

Here is my circassian walnut cat, for comparison. The grain on the Victrola is not as complex as the grain on the cat, I think. The other cat is ebonized, and none too happy about it. (It's okay - they are not allowed to abuse the Victrolas, but I had to get this picture).

And the circassian walnut cat, compared to an oak finish.

Very nice machine but it in my humble opinion it is American Walnut, While there is quite a bit of difference between the grain pattern from one Circassian to another, When you truly see a Circassian you want have to wonder if its American or Circassian Walnut. Here is a 16 I recently acquired

As I said initially, I believe that my machine is American walnut. The cat is Circassian walnut, or perhaps tiger oak, but that's open to interpretation.

Is there any significance to the paper sticker in this machine not showing or price, or did some stickers routinely show a price on them, while some did not?