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VV 4-40 / VE 4-40 X

RARITY: ¤   VALUE:  ¤ 

The 4-40 was a popular mid-priced console-style Orthophonic phonograph introduced in early 1927. It was an updated successor to the VV 4-4 "Granada". Interestingly (and unlike most other Victor models) the production serialization of the 4-40 picked-up where the 4-4 left-off at s/n 80000. The 4-40 featured a medium-size folded Orthophonic horn, a 2-spring motor, and an elegant, modern "low-boy" cabinet. Nickel-plated hardware and an automatic brake were provided; the hardware was later enhanced via an "antique bronze" finish toward the end of production. The 4-40 was an immediate hit, as it provided excellent performance in a substantial cabinet for an affordable price. Production ended in late 1928, but unsold machines continued to be sold by Victor dealers well into 1929.  The original selling price of the 4-40 was $165.00, which equates to approximately $2,500.00 in today's money.
An estimated total of 97,000 Victrola 4-40's were produced, based on the serial numbers of surviving examples. 
Electric-motor versions (VE 4-40) were available for $35.00 extra. Serialization of these electric models started at 12800. An estimated total of 12,200 electrically powered VE 4-40's were made which is a considerably higher figure (based on serial numbers of surviving examples) than factory production records indicate.

The current collector database shows the earliest existent VV 4-40 to be S/N 510 and the latest to be S/N 176659.

The earliest existent VE 4-40 (electric) is S/N 80058 and the latest is S/N 24799

Do you own a Victrola 4-40? Please take a moment and enter some basic information about your machine into the collector's database by clicking here. No personal information is required.