The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was able to purchase this early VV-IX. Was it common on the early versions not to have the typical motor board mounting screws on the four corners? This one looks like two wood screws were added on either side of the turntable. It has the piston brake, outside horn style tone arm but with the reproducer rest, outside horn style motor and crank. I am wondering if this was near the same time period as the L-Door VV-XVI models.

This must be any early unit like you said with the bullet brake, no “little feet” as well as the square opening for the spindle. Pre-1915ish…? My guess. That’s a beautiful machine.
Maybe with the location of the bullet brake the usual location for the motor board screws didn’t happen.
I had an early VV-VI with the same screws to hold down the motor board and would hinge and stay open when removed of course.

Those all look like the parts from a horn phonograph (even the square motorboard) at first glance.

This is a first-year, 1911-production machine. According to the Victor-Victrola Page, serial number # 6394 was the last with the bullet brake, so this one, # 6897, is pretty interesting for having one.

I have an early tabletop VV-X from 1910 that has the same set up with the wood screws to hold down the motor board, and the bullet brake

You can tell it was cared for all its life. It makes a huge difference and always delivers top dollar when collectors recognize that fact.

I’ve only had one VV-IX and it now belongs to my Dad. It was very similar being the fact it was cared for and stored properly during its life. It was a model in oak and he loves it. All it needed was a cleaning, motor rebuild, springs and brake pads. Here is a photo of just cleaning the lid with one Gojo coat. These finishes were beautiful and the patterns of the veneer just not found anywhere today.

Is it true they used seaweed paste to fill in the grain gaps when finishing/shellacking?