The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have an opportunity to purchase a VV-IX schoolhouse model (I guess that's the best description isn't it?) Pics are not the greatest though. Price is not too bad but I wanted to get some more info and opinions--

Ques 1- did these have solid rubber on the rim of the wheels? I could only find one that sold recently and I can't tell if the wheels have solid rubber rims or if they are solid wood... If they originally had rubber, any ideas on how to replace?

Ques 2- Looks like there is a handle on the back of the oak one that sold at auction. Anyone have a pic of that? The one I'm thinking of getting is missing the handle. How tough would it be to replicate?

Ques 3- Do ya think this is worth going after?. ONLY a 4 hr drive- one way, I've done MUCH longer ones, but wanted to see if you all think this is cool or not so much.

Thanks! Steve

Pic of one that sold at auction-
Pic of the one I might get- look like Mahogany-- and not as nice as the one above

That base doesn't look right to me, It looks like it's been cut down or made up?
Your best bet with solid rubber wheels would be contacting bycycle collectors. Solid rubber was used on the rims of everything from adult bikes to tricycles back in the day, so they'd definately know where replacements could be fitted. Normally the solid rubber tyres have wire loops running through them so I dont think they simply stretch over the rims?? It may be a specialist job to have the tyres fitted.

Steve, cool machine. If your looking for a Vic School email me.

I have an ad somewhere in my files from a company (I think it was the Long Cabinet Company) offering a variety of record cabinets for the VV-IX, and among them was this "tea cart" on wheels. They don't show up too often, which I think is a bit surprising, considering the utility. An owner could cart his machine and records all over the first floor of the house, including the porch in the summer.

George P.

I have the same thing in mahogany and I like it very much although I've never considered it a "schoolhouse model". Mine has the original rubber tires over the wooden wheels and I have a pretty good flat spot. The flat spot has never been a problem because I don't move mine frequently. I think the tea cart is a very interesting way to display a rather common Victrola. If the price is right, I think you should go for it. Jerry Blais

Weren't the true Camden "schoolhouse" Victrolas one-piece uprights, similar to a VV XI ?

De Soto Frank wrote:Weren't the true Camden "schoolhouse" Victrolas one-piece uprights, similar to a VV XI ?

Yes, the factory model is the VV-XIII.

I don't think Victor ever offered this as an option. Columbia certainly did! It's called a pushmobile. Here's a the blurb from the Columbia Educational catalogue circa 1920. I love the swipe at Victor's schoolhouse model:

We no longer manufacture the outer-horn-type instruments as they are considered obsolete and are not desired by the general public, because of their unsymmetrical appearance and also because of their greater liability to damage.

Jim

Lots of great input- thanks everyone. I think I'll go and have a look to see exactly what this looks like without the dark blurry photos.

beaumonde wrote:

De Soto Frank wrote:Weren't the true Camden "schoolhouse" Victrolas one-piece uprights, similar to a VV XI ?

Yes, the factory model is the VV-XIII.

a XVIII?

I thought victor only really considered two of its machines as school models, the VV-XXV (open bottom upright with the oak external horn) and the VV-8-8 orthophonic machine, that resembled the 8-9 but on wheels (two in the back) and with less ornate detailing.

columbia had a set-up like the one that started this thread that it marketed as a school machine, but I didn't think victor ever specifically advertised anything of its own like that for such use.