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Borgia I / VE 9-3

RARITY: ¤¤¤¤   VALUE:  ¤¤ 

The Borgia I was one of two "high end" radio/phono combinations introduced by Victor in early 1926.  It was sometimes denoted as the VE 9-3 in the catalogs, but all dataplates are marked "Borgia I". It featured an RCA-produced Radiola Model 28 radio (RCA's best set) and Victor's premium Orthophonic phonograph with a large folded horn of similar dimensions as that used in the famous "Credenza" model.  A small electromagnetic driver was coupled to the neck of the horn, which allowed the radio's output to be heard with excellent volume and fidelity. The user would then switch a large valve to change the horn's input from the radio to the tone-arm when records were played. These sets were intended for the early audiophile who wanted the most advanced sound system that was available at the time. These components were enclosed in a massive walnut cabinet that measured 44" wide and over 45" tall.
The Borgia I shared an identical cabinet and appearance with the Borgia II; the primary difference being that the Borgia I offered only acoustic playback of records, while the Borgia II provided a choice of electrical or acoustical reproduction.  The Borgia I also lacked an AC power adapter (as was featured on the Borgia II), meaning that the radio set must operated by a large contingent of batteries; therefore the Borgia I was a better choice for homes where AC power was not yet readily available. The Borgia I sold new for $675.00, which equates to approximately $10,000.00 in today's money.  All Borgia I models were produced in walnut. Due to the high price, not many Borgia models were sold, and they quickly became obsolete with the introduction of the vastly improved performance of paper-cone speakers in 1927.  While this model is very rarely found today, the imposing size and cost of restoration of these early and complex models limits the interest of most collectors in the current market.
An estimated total of 1,600 Borgia I's were produced, and all were manufactured during 1926. It remained available at dealers well into 1927, but was likely being discounted by that time.

The current survival database shows the earliest existent Borgia I to be S/N 525 and the latest to be S/N 1633.    

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