Sample
Appraisal
This is an
example of the appraisals we provide. During our evaluation, we identify any
issues or concerns, ascertain rarity based on original production numbers and current survival levels, as well as
calculate the statistical range of documented recent sales. In addition, we
supply relevant information from the original Victor catalogs
Please note
that this only a sample, and does not represent an actual Victor or Victrola
model; the details & comments are included only to provide a general idea of
the content of an actual appraisal.
Victrola Model VV-XXXX
Serial
Number 10000 Type A
Appraisal
Date:
January 1, 2020
Owner: Joe
Jones, Jonesville, NY
Type
of Phonograph:
Victor Victrola Floor Model Upright, Model XXXX
S/N 10000 Type E, Red Mahogany Finish
Description:
The Victrola XXXX was a popular phonograph, in the upper-middle price range
of the product line. The XXXX featured a three-spring motor, automatic brake
and Exhibition Soundbox, and was originally supplied with Victor record
albums. Nickel-plated hardware was used. The XXXX evolved through three
design stages, with each stage identified by an incremental “Type” suffix
letter. The "Type A" series was
introduced in October, 1916 which featured a modernized cabinet with added
trim detailing. Corner
posts featured hand carved ornamentation.
Operational Condition:
This phonograph is
in operational condition.
Cosmetic Condition:
Good (G) original condition
Selling Dealer:
Jackson's Music Store, St. Louis MO
Production Date:
September, 1917
Retail Price License Date:
October 1, 1916
Original Selling Price:
$150.00 (equates to $3,275.00 in 2020 dollars)
Dates of Production:
(Model XXXX, all series) September 1914-August 1919
Total Production:
22,425
Rarity: The VV-XXXX
represents 0.2% of total Victor production. Rarity is classified as "uncommon”
(2 stars out of 4).
Current Market Value (in
current condition):
Low $700.00 Median:
$800.00 High:
$1,100.00
The Victrola
XXXX was one of Victor’s "mid-range" models, which failed to catch-on with
the public's tastes. This particular design was in production from 1914
through 1919, but it remained in the catalog up through the end of 1921. It
is assumed that many unsold VV-XXXX models remained stored in warehouses
long after that date. Most XXXX's were probably sold in 1925 during Victor's
"Half Price" sale (which was promoted to clear-out thousands of unsold
machines).
This style is relatively popular with collectors today
due to its low production numbers and elegant
carvings on the corner posts. It also includes distinctive fretwork below
the lid that was removed from later production versions.
The vast majority were produced
in mahogany, as was this example. XXXX models with oak or walnut finishes
are quite rare, and can be valued at well over 4 times the appraised price for this machine.
The appraised instrument
appears to be in good condition, although it is missing the original
albums. Also missing is the
crank escutcheon, the lock escutcheon and the motorboard lifting knob. These
missing parts are readily available from a number of suppliers.
There is minor loss of finish on the top of the lid, although the cabinet is
generally attractive. One of the record storage doors shows evidence of minor damage. These issues negatively
affect the appraised value, as “condition is everything” when selling
antiques. The owner reports that the Victrola works well.
The 78 RPM
records shown in the submitted pictures date from the 1930’s and 1940’s, and
have a nominal value of about $1.00 each. They are much newer than the
appraised machine, and can be damaged if played repeatedly on an early
acoustic phonograph such as this example.
Also included is a Victor Fibre Needle cutter and an
accessory record brush attached to the soundbox. A partially-filled box of
1920’s-vintage “Tungstone” needles is also included. These needles can be
used on the Victrola XXXX, but were primarily designed for the later
generation of Orthophonic machines.
These have a combined value of about $50.00.
Database Summary:
There are currently 2,250
VV-XXXX phonographs logged in the survival database:
S/N 10000 appears between:
·
s/n 9799 (mahogany, good
condition, sold on Ebay, Sept 24, 2014 for $185)
·
s/n 10010 (mahogany, rough
machine, poor condition, appeared at a Stanton Auction in September, 2008 in
Charlotte Michigan, sold for $60) Current whereabouts unknown.
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This appraisal report is an
appraisal expert's opinion of value based on market
comparable research of the item description and images
supplied by our customer. No further guarantee of
authenticity, genuineness, attribution or authorship is
represented.
Current Fair Market Value is the price agreed on between
a willing buyer and seller, neither being required to act,
and both having reasonable knowledge of the facts.
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Appraisal
completed by:
<signed> Paul Edie, Robert Baumbach
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