1907 Victor VI Phonograph W/Original Spear Tip Wood Horn Outstanding
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:29706916 | Brand: VICTOR |
Here's a beautiful c. 1907 Victor VI disc phonograph with an original 22" diameter mahogany "Spear Tip" horn.
When it was introduced in 1904, the Victor 6 (later renamed the Victor VI) was Victor's top-of-the-line phonograph. With a solid mahogany cabinet, gold-plated hardware, a turntable that floated on a bed of bearings, and a nickel-plated 3-spring motor capable of playing multiple sides with a single winding, the Victor VI had no peers, and it was widely regarded as a visual and mechanical masterpiece. More than a century later, the Victor VI remains a cornerstone acquisition for any advanced collection of antique phonographs.
Condition of this example is excellent, close to mint. In fact, it may be the nicest Victor VI that I've ever seen, and it's completely original. No re-plating, no replica parts, no repairs, no refinishing, no issues whatsoever. The original Victor "spear tip" horn is nearly flawless, with just enough surface crazing in the shellac to attest to the finish's authenticity, but not so much that it adds surface roughness or uneven gloss. Normal dings in the collar, but no damage or repairs to the wood, and a crisp, complete and beautiful original Nipper decal.
The cabinet finish is original, and its patina is perfect -- deep maroon with no irregularities. Cabinet itself is outstanding, with tight glue joints everywhere. Beautiful original gold-plating on the hardware and corner columns, with spot tarnish but nothing unsightly; excellent original turntable felt, with hardly any wear; glossy original back-bracket enamel, and nearly perfect original gold back-bracket decorations. Paper license on the underside of the baseboard is original. The feet are original too. The data plate on the front of the cabinet is clean and legible, and the Lyre decal beneath it indicates the phonograph was almost certainly sold by Sherman, Clay & Co. in San Francisco, the west coast's premier purveyor of Steinway pianos and high end Victor Talking Machines.
The original gold-plated Victor Exhibition reproducer sounds great. Loud and clear, with excellent dynamics.
If you've been patiently waiting for the nicest, all-original Victor VI you're ever likely to get your hands on, I think it's safe to say you may have just found it.
Take a look at the pictures. They tell the story better than I can.
I've been selling and shipping the world's nicest antique phonographs for more than 20 years. When you purchase an antique phonograph from me, you'll receive a phonograph that arrives safely because it's been carefully packed (by me, not by some well-intentioned but nonetheless confounded, doe-eyed teenager working at the UPS store who wouldn't know a phonograph from a farm tool), and you'll receive a phonograph that includes thorough but easy-to-understand set-up and operating instructions, so you won't be left scratching your head, trying to figure out how it works. Sure, you can probably get a lower price from Joe and Janet Barn-Find, but when your "bargain" arrives broken, and without any hint of how it works or how you might be able to put it back together, you'll realize that you really do get exactly what you pay for.
When you've finished checking out my ebay listings this week, take a look at my TechnoGallerie website, where you can buy hard-to-find antique phonographs, antique radios, antique cameras and other gadgets you're not likely to see anywhere else. New arrivals include a mint, all-original, working pre-war Fada blue marble catalin bullet radio. Just type TechnoGallerie in the address line of your web browser and hit the enter key. TechnoGallerie has a newsletter, too, and if you take a second to sign up for it, you'll receive an email update whenever I list something new on the site -- typically once a week.
That's about it. I will carefully prep everything for shipping and pack everything carefully and properly. Auction participants with no prior feedback history, or with hidden feedback, should contact me before placing a bid. Buyer prepays and includes shipping
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