The Victor-Victrola Page

The Victor-Victrola Page

Appraisal Services

VICTOR AND VICTROLA APPRAISAL SERVICES

In conjunction with noted phonograph author Robert Baumbach, we are providing premium appraisal services for all Victor and Victrola products.

The increasing amount of traffic to this site has resulted in waves of emails requesting value information and repair instructions. The volume of requests far exceeds our available time to answer. While we have attempted to provide a great deal of information on this website, it is impossible to summarize all of our database information, factory catalogs, and documented records of recent sales into a reasonably-sized and usable web resource. Therefore, as a service to hobbyists and for those interested in the historical details and accurate valuation of their machine, we offer paid online appraisals for Victor and Victrola products. It is our expectation that only a small fraction of site visitors will actually pay for an appraisal. However, for those who desire an accurate market-based appraisal of their Victor Phonograph, it is our position that it should be as comprehensive as possible.

There are many other online resources available for appraisals. Some phonograph repair and/or "blog" websites are operated by collectors searching for rare machines. If you have a rare phonograph, they will be ready to cut you an offer right away...and you can be sure that their "appraisal" valuation will reflect what they want to pay. Broad-based "value-range" estimates presented on other websites are simply general summaries, usually formed by a group consensus, and will not take into account the condition of your machine, nor will they consider any special features or finishes. Other online appraisal services cover many types of antiques, which may include pianos, radios, organs and other musical instruments, meaning they probably don't have comprehensive information on Victor products.

There is often a great deal of variance in the value of a particular Victor or Victrola model. For example, the most common Victrola model, the "VV-XI", normally sells in the range of $100-$150 at most auctions in average "attic-stored" condition. However, we recently witnessed a beautiful original early production floor model VV-XI in Golden Polished Oak sell for well over $800. That's quite a variance above the average price, and oak isn't that rare! The sale price was driven by its superb condition and an especially elegant figured veneer. Truly rare finishes would command even more money. Condition, finish, rarity, and originality all are critical factors in determining value. Anyone who gives you an "shotgun appraisal" for a phonograph based on a brief written description and 30 seconds of their time can't provide a meaningful estimate of true market value.

We provide you with current valuation and comprehensive historical information (e.g. production date, rarity, and the estimated number of surviving examples) for your particular Victor phonograph. See our Sample Appraisal for an example. This information far exceeds what is provided with any other online phonograph appraisal. Value is determined based on documented sales (NOT "asking prices" or "educated guesses") from all available sources such as EBay, Proxibid, estate sales, public auctions, etc. It is presented within a calculated statistical range to give information on the variance of typical selling prices for your machine considering condition, finish and special features.

Our appraisal service is straightforward and unique:

Mr. Baumbach and myself have over 80 years of combined experience in collecting and researching information on Victor products. We are both well-known in the hobby. Each appraisal is reviewed and approved by both of us prior to completion. The appraisal you get is based solely on the statistical ranges of documented selling prices. No guesstimates.
We appraise pre-1930 Victor and Victrola products only. No RCA products, Edison Phonographs, Columbias, Sonoras or other brands.
We provide a great deal of additional information, including date of manufacture, features and production information.
We attend most phonograph auctions, shows, and monitor EBay sales regularly, so we have an excellent knowledge of current market conditions for all models
The Victor database contains information on over 200,000 surviving Victors and Victrolas, including serial numbers and features of machines currently in existence. This database provides us with accurate statistical summaries of current survival rates. A summary of this information relevant to your model is also provided.
By policy, we will never solicit to purchase a phonograph from someone who has requested an appraisal. This can result in a conflict of interest in the appraisal process.

Click here for a typical Sample Appraisal, which usually consists of 2 pages of content printed on high-quality bond paper.

Cost of an Appraisal is $19.95, which includes return postage.

TO SUBMIT AN APPRAISAL: Send an email to me at paul@victor-victrola.org with the following information clearly stated:

The SUBJECT LINE of the email should read "APPRAISAL REQUEST"
Include ALL the stamped information on the metal dataplate of your Victrola. Please include the model identification, serial number, and all prefix and suffix letters. Some suffix letters are very small and hard to see, located far to the right of the serial number. If you need help, please click here.
Copy the date from the paper license sticker's lower left hand corner (if a sticker is present). Please DO NOT include any other patent dates or information from anywhere else. If you need help, please click here.
State if the phonograph is working or not.
Explain any obvious damage
Comment on any issues, observations, concerns or questions you may have.

Attach the following pictures:
One clear picture of the metal dataplate
An overall picture of the machine
Pictures giving an idea of the condition of the finish or of any damaged areas
One picture of the turntable and tonearm/soundbox.
If present, a picture of the license sticker (usually located on the back, inside the doors, or underneath the phonograph).
Pictures must be clear, in-focus and reasonably lighted. We can't appraise machines without good quality pictures. Contact us for instructions if needed.

Please note: if we determine that your Victor or Victrola has a median appraised value less than $100.00 in the current market, we will advise and allow you the opportunity to cancel the order and request a full refund

When the appraisal request email is complete, send to us at paul@victor-victrola.org, and submit payment per the instructions below:

We accept PAYPAL Payments by simply clicking on "Buy Now" below. Using this link, you can also pay by credit card.

Click below to initiate Paypal Payment

Please allow 2-3 weeks for a return-mail response. Unless otherwise requested, all appraisals will be returned via USPS First Class Mail.