VV-IV model identification A, B, C etc.

[jboger]

The VV-IV is one of Victor's more common models. It was made for many years and underwent many modifications. Each time Victor made a modification a letter was added to the model name: VV-IV, VV-IV A, VV-IV B, etc.

I recall reading a book that listed the features of a VV-IV, then the A, B, and so forth. Could someone please direct me to that book or, better, the information for the VV-IV?

Regards,

John

[drh]

According to Robert Baumbach's Look for the Dog, the VV IV was introduced in 1911 at $15. With the introduction of a new motor design in 1917, the "A" designation was added and the price raised by $2.50. With the introduction of a revised cabinet style in November 1918, Victor dropped the "A" and went back to just VV IV. Baumbach says nothing about a B, C, etc.

[Pathe Logical]

John,

Perhaps you are looking for the Victor Data Book. See http://mulhollandpress.com/styled-5/sty ... index.html

Bob

[OrthoFan]

Major design differences corresponding to the letter suffixes is also available on the Victor Victrola Page -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/IV.htm
OrthoFan

[jboger]

Drh:

Here's a quote from the Victor-Victrola website (http://www.victor-victrola.com/IV.htm), which i had already looked at:

The IV was moderately redesigned in early 1912, with a slightly smaller cabinet and downward-facing wood slats replacing the metal grill in the horn opening. These Victrolas will have an "A", "B", "C", "D", or "E" suffix letter after the serial number, indicating small upgrades to the motor and/or mechanical components.

What I'm looking for is more detail than that provided by the Victor-Victrola's excellent website. The Baumabach reference, did it go through more than one edition?

John

[randymullx]

As Pathé Logical indicated, the Victor Data Book (also by Baumbach) very likely has the information you are looking for. It provides physical details, production dates and serial number ranges. It lists 6 versions without a suffix and 4 additional versions with the -A suffix.

[drh]

Drh:

Here's a quote from the Victor-Victrola website (http://www.victor-victrola.com/IV.htm), which i had already looked at:

The IV was moderately redesigned in early 1912, with a slightly smaller cabinet and downward-facing wood slats replacing the metal grill in the horn opening. These Victrolas will have an "A", "B", "C", "D", or "E" suffix letter after the serial number, indicating small upgrades to the motor and/or mechanical components.

What I'm looking for is more detail than that provided by the Victor-Victrola's excellent website. The Baumabach reference, did it go through more than one edition?

John

I think it went through a bunch; I have two copies, one copyright 1981 and the other copyright 1999, which shows a raft of other dates in between. The info about the VV IV in the latter, however, is identical to that in the former. Apparently, from what you got from the website, it's not exactly complete.

[ChesterCheetah18]

John, the reference book you are looking for is "The Victor Data Book", not to be confused with "Look For The Dog", both of which were written by Mr. Baumbach. The "Data Book" is essentially a companion to "Look For The Dog" and contains much more detailed information regarding changes to different models over the years. In the case of the VV-IV, the first were designated Type M (with metal grille). As changes were made, they were given new Type designations (A through E). As was mentioned earlier in this thread, the Type designation was stamped on the data plate after the serial number (except the Type M which had no stamped letter).
After the motor redesign in 1917, it was designated VV-IV-A, and was stamped as such on the data plate. The IV-A also had different Type designations (IV-A, IV-A Type A, etc) through Type C when the model was discontinued in 1925.
To my knowledge the "Data Book" had only one (2003) edition. It is still available through Mulholland Press. You can also find used copies on Ebay, and I've seen several copies that have sold in Stanton's Music Machine auctions.
I hope this helps

Steve

[jboger]

Steve:

That is a tremendous help.

Does the latest version of the Data Book correlate the letter suffix (A, B, C, D, and E) with specific versions of the VV-IV or is that information now lost? Let me be clear. I have looked at that book, possibly owned one at one time. I recall that the book for specific Victor models, say a Vic--II, clearly identified the new features that were associated with the upgraded versions (A, B, etc.). If one had a Vic-II but no tag on it, one could still tell which version it was by reading the Data Book.

After the first incarnation with the metal grill was a five-panel version. This originally had a flat crank, an early motor, and eight-inch platter and so forth. At some point a ten-inch platter was added and a new letter suffix was added to the id tag. I would like to be able to take any five-paneled VV-IV, look at its features, and be able to identify which model it is (including letter suffix) even if it didn't have the metal tag.

Does the latest version of the Data Book allow one to do that for the VV-IV? I'm pretty certain it does it for other models. Just not certain it does it for the VV-IV. Do not want to rush out to buy the book otherwise.

Thanks to everyone for their assistance.

John

[ChesterCheetah18]

Steve:

That is a tremendous help.

Does the latest version of the Data Book correlate the letter suffix (A, B, C, D, and E) with specific versions of the VV-IV or is that information now lost? Let me be clear. I have looked at that book, possibly owned one at one time. I recall that the book for specific Victor models, say a Vic--II, clearly identified the new features that were associated with the upgraded versions (A, B, etc.). If one had a Vic-II but no tag on it, one could still tell which version it was by reading the Data Book.

After the first incarnation with the metal grill was a five-panel version. This originally had a flat crank, an early motor, and eight-inch platter and so forth. At some point a ten-inch platter was added and a new letter suffix was added to the id tag. I would like to be able to take any five-paneled VV-IV, look at its features, and be able to identify which model it is (including letter suffix) even if it didn't have the metal tag.

Does the latest version of the Data Book allow one to do that for the VV-IV? I'm pretty certain it does it for other models. Just not certain it does it for the VV-IV. Do not want to rush out to buy the book otherwise.

Thanks to everyone for their assistance.

John

Yes, you should be able to accomplish what you are seeking to do by using that book. It's extensive regarding different model types, and a very good and useful reference book.

Steve