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VE 7-26 X

RARITY: ¤¤   VALUE:  ¤ 

Like the other models in the Victrola "7 Series", the VV 7-25 was a "home entertainment center" priced in the upper-middle range, pairing an electronically-amplified phonograph with a RCA Radiola 18. This popular phonograph featured the latest Victor audio amplifier and a paper-cone speaker. The Radiola 18 was an advanced  'TRF' (Tuned Radio Frequency) set that required only a single knob for tuning, rather than the typical array of knobs that was previously required to select a radio station. In addition, it did not require the use of dry-cell batteries, which would require replacement after long periods of radio use. The 7-26 was a true "state of the art" machine, and provided exceptionally good performance for the time.
The 7-26 was introduced in the fall of 1928, and production ran through the first few months of 1929.  The "tall boy" cabinet was finished in a two-tone mahogany veneer, and the hardware was gold-plated.  It sold new for $425.00, which equates to approximately $6,500.00 in today's money. An optional speaker with improved performance was offed for an extra $50.00.
Based on the serial numbers of surviving examples, at least 16,000 VV 7-25 models were produced (including both speaker types); however actual production of this model was likely much higher, possibly greater than 20,000 units. The 7-26 was a big seller, especially considering the relatively high price tag for this model.
The high cost of restoration of these early electronic sets limits the interest of many collectors today.

The current survival database shows the earliest existent VV 7-26 to be s/n 599 and the latest to be s/n 16726

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