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The immersive science of Audio Equipment, brought to you by {name}

Ariel Cabello

Antique Victor Victrola Talking Machine: Detailed Description

1. Manufacturer & Brand:

Victor Talking Machine Company: The preeminent American manufacturer of premium talking machines, active from 1901 until its acquisition by RCA in March 1929. Victor was renowned for its superior sound quality, innovative engineering, and elegant cabinet designs. Its iconic "His Master's Voice" trademark (featuring Nipper the dog) symbolized fidelity in sound reproduction.

2. Product Line & Model Category:

Series: Victrola. This revolutionary line, introduced in 1906, defined the era by concealing the large horn inside a finely crafted wooden cabinet, transforming the phonograph from a mechanical novelty into a respectable piece of parlor furniture.

Category: Large Console / Floor-Standing Model. The significant height of 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) places this machine firmly within Victrola's largest and most prestigious domestic models, designed as the centerpiece of affluent homes.

Specific Model (Probable): Based on the confirmed height (162 cm / 64 inches), cabinet construction (solid oak), and era (see Dating), this Victrola is most likely a Model XIV or Model XVI. These top-tier console models featured the largest internal horns for the most powerful acoustic reproduction, suitable for operatic and orchestral recordings. Model XII is a less likely possibility due to typically slightly smaller stature.

3. Dating & Provenance:

Era: Circa 1915 - 1925. This dating is determined by:

The presence of the brass nameplate identifying the manufacturer specifically as the "Victor Talking Machine Company" (pre-March 1929).

The "REG. U.S. PAT. OFF." marking, indicating registration with the US Patent Office, typical for high-end Victrolas of this period.

The dominance of large console Victrolas like the XIV and XVI during this timeframe.

Age: A genuine century-old antique, approximately 100-110 years old.

4. Physical Specifications:

Height: 162 cm (64 inches) - A commanding presence, characteristic of the largest Victrola console models.

Width & Depth: Estimated based on comparable models: Width approx. 60-70 cm (24-28 inches), Depth approx. 50-60 cm (20-24 inches). Precise measurements recommended.

Weight: Extremely Heavy: Estimated 100 - 150 kg (220 - 330 lbs) or more. This substantial weight results from the solid oak cabinet, massive cast-iron spring motor, large metal turntable assembly, and the heavy internal horn. Requires extreme care and multiple persons for safe movement.

5. Materials & Construction:

Primary Material: Solid Oak. Constructed entirely from high-quality oak, chosen for its exceptional strength, durability, attractive grain pattern, and suitability for fine furniture. Indicates a premium model.

Construction:

Cabinet frame, panels, doors, top, and base utilize substantial solid oak planks and/or high-grade oak veneers.

Expert joinery (dovetails, mortise-and-tenon) and hardware ensure structural integrity.

Finished with a lustrous shellac or varnish, highlighting the natural beauty and warm tones of the oak grain. Decorative elements may include restrained moldings or inlays consistent with the period.

Internal Components: Horn assembly (typically Victor's large "Morning Glory" or "Exhibition" horn, often 16" or larger, marked with the "Flying Red Seal" or "Nipper" emblem), cast-iron spring motor, tone arm, reproducer (sound box), and turntable.

6. Nameplate Identification:

Original Brass Plate: Features the critical identification:

VICTOR (Logo)

VICTOR TALKING MACHINE (Brand Name)

CO. (Company)

REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. (Registered U.S. Patent Office - Signifying trademark and key mechanical patents).

Significance: Authenticates the manufacturer and era definitively. Its presence and good condition are strong indicators of overall originality and careful preservation.

7. Functionality & Playback:

Drive Mechanism: Spring-wound Motor. Powered by a large internal clockwork spring, wound with a key. A full wind typically plays one side of a 10-inch or 12-inch 78 RPM record (approx. 3-5 minutes).

Playback Format: 78 RPM Shellac Records. Designed exclusively for the standard record speed and material of its era.

Reproduction Method: Pure Acoustic (Non-Electrical). Sound is generated mechanically:

A fresh steel needle (mandatory for each play, modern reproductions available) vibrates in the record groove.

Vibrations are transmitted through the tone arm to the reproducer (sound box), which amplifies them via a diaphragm.

Sound travels via an internal pipe to the large, downward-facing internal horn, resonating within the cabinet and projecting through the front doors (typically covered with fabric grille cloth or slatted wood).

Good - Number of items: 1 - Including: No extra's

Victor Talking Machine Company - Victrola Phonograph - Multiple models

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The Netherlands

Italy

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Portugal

Japan

Austria

Hungary

Denmark

Poland

Romania

Greece

Croatia

Estonia

United Kingdom

Ireland

Lithuania

Slovenia

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Brand

Bang & Olufsen

Sony

Marantz

Akai

Technics

Pioneer

Bose

Philips

Denon

Yamaha

Harman Kardon

Onkyo

Sansui

TEAC

Grundig

Jamo

Bower & Wilkins

Revox

Kenwood

Luxman

Klipsch

Object

Speaker set

Hi-fi set

CD player

Cassette recorder-player

Audio-cassette deck

Solid state integrated amplifier

Solid state stereo receiver

Record player

Solid state multi-channel receiver

Stereo set

Radio

Turntable

Speaker

Audio component

Subwoofer speaker set

Tube radio

Audio amplifier

Tuner

Headphone

Solid state amplifier

Preamplifier

Reel to reel audio

Reel to reel deck 18 cm

Blank audio cassette

Walkman

Country of origin

Luxembourg

Mexico

United States

Material

Aluminium

Metal

Plastic

Wood

Iron

Condition

Excellent

Good

Very good

Mint

Various conditions

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Mint & Sealed (M&S)

Fair & Poor

Mint (M)

As new - unused

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Fair

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Extras

No extra's

Power cord

Remote control

+ Extra item (see description)

Original user manual

Refurbished

Power Adapter

Power supply

Brochures

No cables

Case

Anti-pop Filter

Flight Case

In original box

Period

2010-2020

2000-2010

1940-1950

2020+

1850-1900

Style

Scandinavian design

Danish design

Art Deco

Colour

Black

Silver

Record Label

Various labels

Music memorabilia type

Box Set

Tested and working

Tested and working/playable

Not tested

1900-2000

After 2000

1400-1900

Before 1400

Creator

Afro Celotto

Dieter Rams

Denmark - Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

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Marantz - DV4400 CD player

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Bang & Olufsen - Beovision 7 - 40" Full-HD Smart Tv with 4x HDMI and build-in DVD player & Beolab 7.4 - Hi-fi set

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Acoustic Research - AR-12 Speaker set

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