The Victor-Victrola Page   

VV-130 / VE-130

RARITY: ¤¤¤   VALUE:  ¤¤¤ 

The VV-130 was Victor's premium upright floor model phonograph when introduced in the first months of 1921. Its launch was concurrent with the reorganizing of the entire Victrola product line. These new models used conventional number designations rather than the previous Roman numerals, but they were essentially the same machines that had been offered for more than 10 years prior, with minimally redesigned cabinets.
The VV-130 was the direct replacement for the VV-XVII. It was virtually identical to its predecessor, with the exception of an improved needle receptacle. It carried-over the identical bombe' cabinet, gold-plated hardware, and 4-spring motor.
Sales of high-end upright-style phonographs were slowing in 1921, as the 'prestige' of owning an expensive talking machine was beginning to wane. While it was a 'big-deal' to own an expensive phonograph in 1910, by the early 20's, almost everyone had some type of phonograph in their home. Production of the VV-130 ceased altogether in early 1922. A year later, Victor decided to completely update the cabinet and rename it the VV-125 (which also didn't sell very well).
Even though production had ceased, the VV-130 remained in the Victor catalog for the next three years, indicating how sluggish sales for these pricy machines had become at that time. The price was cut by $75.00 in 1923 in an attempt to stimulate buyer interest. Even at that reduced price-point, sales remained slow. It is likely that many late-production VV-130's were not sold until the advent of 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 1921 selling price of the VV-100 was $350.00, which equates to more than $3,600.00 in today's money. An estimated total of 5,200 VV-130 models were produced. 
Approximately 600 VE-XVI (electric motor) machines were made, all during 1923. The VE upgrade added $40.00 to the list price.
An expensive "Japanese Lacquer" option (right) was offered toward the end of VV-130 production, featuring a black lacquered cabinet with oriental decals. Other special-order versions of the 130 were available.

The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-130 to be S/N 528 and the latest to be S/N 5546

The earliest logged VE-130 survivor is S/N 539 and the latest is S/N 888

Note: All VE-130 models were produced in 1923.

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