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VV-111 / VE-111

RARITY: ¤¤   VALUE:  ¤¤ 

The VV-111 was the modernized replacement for Victor's "flagship" phonograph models, the VV-XVI and the short-lived VV-120. The introduction of the VV-111 during the summer of 1922 was concurrent with the updating of most of the Victrola product line. These newly-designed machines were essentially the same products that had been offered for more than 10 years prior, but now with a refreshed appearance.
The VV-111 offered a cabinet which was comparable in size to the VV-XVI, along with the same four-spring motor and gold-plated hardware. It was offered in a choice of mahogany, oak or walnut veneer A Victrola "No. 2" soundbox was standard. Hand-carved corner posts were also provided. A shallower, sleeker lid and larger horn provided an updated look, but the performance of this model was essentially the same as it predecessors.
While the VV-111 sold reasonably well at introduction, the public's increasing interest in radio was taking a toll on Victrola sales by the following year; production of this model was abruptly discontinued in early 1924. However, since many remained unsold, the VV-111 continued to be listed in the Victor catalogs of 1924 and 1925.
Due to the overproduction of these machines, it is quite likely that many late-production VV-111 models were sold during Victor's well-advertised "half-price" sale during the summer of 1925. For more information on Victor's financial crisis of 1924-1925 and the overproduction of phonographs, please click here.
The original 1922 selling price of the VV-111 was $225.00, which equates to $3,400.00 in today's money. Walnut finishes (American or Circassian) added $50.00 to the price. An estimated total of 23,000 VV-111 models were produced.  A total of 1,300 VE-111 (electric motor) models were also produced, all during late 1922. The VE version sold for an extra $40.00.
Many serial numbers were skipped for this model during production; therefore the total number of units produced will not coincide with the serial number ranges.

The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-111 to be S/N 628 and the latest to be S/N 23208

The earliest surviving VE-111 is S/N 504 and the latest is S/N 1924     

Note: All VE-111 models were produced in late 1924.

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