The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I purchased a Vic II a couple of days ago and could really use some helpful suggestions. To me, it appears to be original (although I'm not sure about the horn) but doesn't exactly agree with what is listed in the "Victor Data Book". The serial number 35782 B would indicate a type B but the elbow does not clamp to the arm bracket and it has a single spring motor, both characteristic of type B imp. My serial number is close to the end of the type B and just below the beginning of the type B imp so are these just possibly things that were changed ahead of the new type designation? The brake is also interesting as it is a Barrel type but not like the #561 (photo attached). The horn is also an enigma as the bell diameter is 13-⅜" (as opposed to 13-¾) and there is no Victor decal but it appears to have been in the same very poor environment as the rest of the machine for a very long time. Could this be some other brand that a dealer substituted?
The lady I purchased the machine from used to live in Florida and she told me she purchased it from a lady that lived in Ponta Vedra that had inherited the machine from her grandmother who lived in Upstate New York. Wherever it lived, it must have been in a basement or attic for many many years as there is lots of rust and corrosion on all the exposed metal parts. It took some doing to remove the platter and when I did the wood underneath looked the color of charcoal. I cleaned some of the area with Gojo but there is still a lot of rubbing to do. Do you think it would harm the finish if I use some 4/0 steel wool with the Gojo? I don't seem to be making any headway cleaning in some areas but don't want to damage the finish. Interestingly enough, there is little or no corrosion on the motor and the paper patent notice is still reasonably clear on the bottom of the cabinet (I guess dust obeys the law of gravity). The reproducer is in terrible condition but even with all that is wrong, the machine still works!
Any suggestions on how to proceed will be greatly appreciated.

Since this looks like the original finish, I will say "no" to the steel wool.
That being said, if the soot under the platter is that hard to remove, I might gently use the steel wool just to remove enough soot until some wood appears, and then continue with cleaning with your rags.

Nice find!

James.

I'm such an idot.....the soot plus the metal corrosion just on the exposed surfaces.....it's all fire damage! I was just thinging dirt and dust but it makes sense to me now. Thanks for pointing it out!!

I believe the bullet brake to be an old hack job repair when the lever broke and no parts were available. It's "inspired" by the very early brakes from pre-dog machines like the Victor B, but it's clearly a modified bullet brake with a cutout. Interesting.

Not sure if the witches hat horn was still being sold when this machine was made?

I would let the Gojo soak in a bit longer on the black residue, maybe even apply it with 0000 steel wool, but only there. It may take a few runs, but it will come off.

Andreas