The Victor-Victrola Page  

Dataplate Information

Every Victor phonograph has a metal dataplate affixed either on or near the motorboard (for machines with lids), on the side of the phonograph (for most external horn and lidless models), or under the turntable (for low-priced and some portable models of the 20's). The turntable must be lifted straight up and off the motorboard to view some plates mounted underneath. Every dataplate contains both a model identification (stamped on the left) and a serial number (on the right).

Most dataplates will appear similar to the pictures below:

The model number is shown first, followed by a serial number. On the leftmost plate above, the model is a "VV-XI" and the serial number is "836749". "VV" stands for Victor-Victrola. Some machines use names rather than numeric model designations, and the center one is a "Granada" model with serial number "10083". The right one has the plate located under the turntable, and is a "VE-210" model, serial number "695". Some external horns have just a "V" for Victor, and others use "Type" or "Style" to identify the model.  Using this information, the hobbyist can proceed to the next page (linked below) to determine specific details.

Some suffix letters are very small and hard to see, located far to the right of the serial number. Please check carefully.      

Example:  VV XVI  52322 D (note the small "D" suffix under the arrow far to the right):

In some cases, the dataplate may have corroded over the years, and the small stamped serial numbers may be nearly impossible to read. It is usually possible to use a piece of very fine steel wool and GENTLY rub over the number so that it becomes visible. Too much pressure will damage the plate and could remove the contrasting black paint. In other cases, cautious use of an exacto-knife can prove helpful.

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