The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was wondering if mahogany Victrola VI machines tend to be more valuable than the very common oak versions, and if so, roughly how much of a premium they would sell for over the oak. I see oak the oak Victrola VI frequently selling in the $150 to $200 range. I have had several in oak but only one in mahogany.

As a collector I want what is the most difficult to find. For example I want a mahogany Edison Gem or a Circassian "L" door Victrola XVI, and a mahogany Victor V. Your mahogany VV-VI is more unusual than an oak example. But so many Victrola VI's were made and if only 10% (guess) were mahogany that's still a lot of mahogany Victrola VI's. If I were looking for a Victrola VI I'd pay maybe $50 more for a nice mahogany example. My opinion only.

Jerry B.

I have had several VV-IV and VV-VI phonographs over the years. But only a couple in mahogany. I currently have a very nice mahogany VV-IV. I am not sure that low production stats reflect higher values in this case. It seems that everyone loves the oak wood grain. Also, electric VV-XVI models are very low in production but don't have anywhere near the market for a crank version. There are so many variables that influence value. Just my 2 cents worth.

I would think that the only people that would be in the market for a VV-VI would be "new" people, as in those that are not collectors but just want a Victrola to have. Most modern buyers like the look of oak better than mahogany, so if my first assumption is correct than most of these casual buyers would not pay any more for a mahogany model, IMO.

Just a side note: I have been having a VV-IV for sale on craigslist for only $35 and haven't even gotten a question about it yet

Also, electric VV-XVI models are very low in production but don't have anywhere near the market for a crank version.

I've thought this very interesting as well. If you had two Victrola XVI's and all things were equal except one was electric and the other spring, I think it would be easier to sell the spring version. But consider a Triumph and an Alva. The Alva is really nothing more than an electric Triumph but it's worth about ten times the going rate for a Triumph. About the only difference is the spring and electric Victrolas are the same model while the Triumph and Alva are separate models. I suppose values are set by modern collectors. The electric Victrola is not appreciated by its rarity while some collectors are willing to spend really good money for an Alva.

Jerry B.