The Victor-Victrola Page   

VV 1-4 / Alladin

RARITY: ¤¤   VALUE:  ¤¤ 

The VV 1-4 was a basic tabletop model without a lid.  The 1-4 was made at Victor's main plant in Camden NJ and was intended for export into Central and South America; however some were sold in the Southwest USA. This phonograph was little understood until the late 1990's, when a few turned-up at auction and on internet sale lists. The VV 1-4 had a small single-spring motor and used the non-Orthophonic No. 4 Soundbox. It did not have an exponential horn.  It was introduced in 1927, and an estimated 12,000 were produced before the model was discontinued one year later.  Although it is similar in appearance and function to the popular VV 1-1, the VV 4-1 is slightly larger and includes small "feet" supporting the base. Existing examples have an oak finish. The thin wood case had an open bottom and the volume control doors were eliminated, resulting in a very light and economical phonograph.
The original 1927 selling price of the 1-4  is estimated to have been about $25.00 US (exchange rates would dictate local sale prices in foreign countries). At present, insufficient data exists to derive a yearly production breakdown; however it is reasonable to assume that the vast majority were manufactured during calendar year 1927. Note: Picture at left has an incorrect soundbox.  

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