The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I’ll begin with a confession: I have no business buying another machine, much less a floor model. I live in a bungalow and room was tight. We added on, doubled the floor space, and somehow I’ve even got less space. I have to move along some machines as I need to clear out the expensive storage unit.

I went up to visit my brother in Northern California, and imagine my wife’s delight when I came home with another project. I couldn’t help it. I’m a sucker for machines that might end up as parts machines. I’d seen this one before. (I think it may have even been discussed here at one point, however I can’t seem to find the thread.) I almost got it 6 months ago. I’d always wanted an L - Door Victrola with the frieze at the top, but I could never come up with the scratch. Well, the price had dropped and here I am confessing to you all.

I intend this to be a restoration thread, but I’ll need some help from those of you that have experience. Here are some photos as it currently stands. The knobs were all pulled off and in the parts drawer, so I guessed what went where. I’m missing one of the larger ones. I think the one I used for the shelf really belongs on the rear access door (it fits better), but I don’t know if they looked like that. Were they the same? As you can see, this poor machine got wet at some point.
The lid is warped and missing the veneer on top. I wonder which way the grain ran - front to back or side to side?
The inside of the lid looks better, but the warp is there. I love the early decal. Note the installation defect on the lower right. The lid prop is broken off at the top bend. It feels a bit flimsy. I’m not sure how I’m going to address that.
The turntable is cast. The motor board looks like a fugitive from an outside horn machine. The two mounting screws are mis-matched. The one on the left is nickel, the one on the right is blued. I wonder what what was used originally? The patent plate showing serial #7999 Here’s the license notice with the original serial number. The crank seems rather light weight. The escutcheon is missing, I can see an outline around the hole, but see no screw holes (filled or otherwise). Has anybody else seen one of these with a simple ring? Here’s what I found in the bottom of the back of the case: many mahogany shavings, rusty needles, a gold plated screw (from the lid prop escutcheon) and another blued wood screw (for the motor board?). The machine came with one box of records, the accessory drawer had another tone arm (Silvertone?) empty oil tube, instructions, record log, record catalog from the May Co. and a 1917 edition of “Touring Topics” (now known as “Westways”) from the So Cal Auto Club. (Sheesh - now I need to get a model T and go touring.) But first things, first... Here's the motor.

My inclination is to reduce the most egregious-looking damage and go for a cleaned-up but not new look. The lid will be a real issue. I’m still not sure how to address it. I’m not sure how flat it can be made without messing-up the inside with the nice decal. In any event, I’m going to take my time on this. In that time, I’ll be looking out for pieces, repair schemes and any advice I can get. Thanks for looking, and let this be a lesson to you all.

Best Regards,

Martin

Nice, not just an L-Door, but a VTLA. You’ve come to the right place for advice and encouragement. Best of luck. That’s really a nice machine.

Martin,

My VTLA is serial number 7124, so very near to yours. The crank escutcheon is a kind of "press in" affair with only a small ring showing on the outside of the cabinet. The grain on the lid top matches the direction of the lid's interior. Left to right. The crank looks correct.

I have the large knob you need. PM me with your info and I'll send it to you. Mine was missing the back door knob, so I cannot definitely tell you which one should go there. I have one in place, but it may not be correct. I recently got a large "lot" of parts and the large knobs were in that lot-glad to send you one.

Matt

Well, thank you Matt. The information is very helpful and the offer of the missing knob is extremely generous. I will PM you with my info.

Let me know what you might need.

Matt

For the present, I think the big knob will do nicely. I don't quite yet know how, but I'm going to try to save the original saw-toothed lid prop. I like its primitive look, but I can see why they migrated to the sturdier design. Thanks again for your amazing help!

Martin

I think I have the crank escutcheon. So make a list and between Matt and myself we'll try to help.

Jerry B.

Gosh Jerry, that's fantastic! If I don't have to figure out how to do metal spinning (or however it's formed), so much the better.

Here's the shopping list:

Crank escutcheon (which you have)
small record tray knob
round Needle disposal box
early Exhibition sound box (what would be an appropriate serial # range be for this machine?)
(I suppose if anybody turns up an undamaged saw-toothed lid support, I wouldn't say no)

That's really all I can think of at the moment. Anyway, I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness. I'll PM you after I get home from work tomorrow.

Regards,
Martin

Fairly nice 1908 VTLA. Interesting how it’s a larger version of what I got last month, but lots more places for records and other stuff.

When you decide to try and restore the cabinet, you might want to spend some time watching a master antique furniture restoration specialist. Take your time. https://www.youtube.com/@johnsonrestoration