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VV-X

Tabletop Model:  RARITY: ¤¤    VALUE:   ¤¤
Open-Leg Floor Model:  RARITY: ¤¤    VALUE:  ¤¤
Enclosed Floor Model:    RARITY: ¤      VALUE:  ¤

The VV-X or "Victrola the Tenth" was a very popular model which went through several major design iterations. Introduced in 1910 as a moderately-priced tabletop model, it soon transitioned into an open-legged floor model, and finally to a fully enclosed floor phonograph that remained a top-seller for many years.  During its 10 year production run, it became Victor's #5 top-selling model of all time.  More than 550,000 VV-X phonographs were produced between 1910 and 1920.
Since there were three distinct variations of the VV-X model, they will be split into major chronological groupings. A detailed breakdown of serial number vs. year produced can be found at the bottom of the page.

Iteration One: Tabletop Model (1910-1911)
The VV-X phonograph was introduced during the summer of 1910, and was considered to be a 'mid-range' tabletop model at a time when Victor's product lineup was beginning to mature. With a price tag of $75.00 (which equates to about $2,100.00 in today's money), it was briefly Victor's lowest-cost phonograph during a transition period when 'talking machines' were dropping in price and becoming affordable for the average buyer.  It featured a hefty double-spring motor, nickel plated hardware and Victor's Exhibition soundbox.  VV-X cabinets could be ordered in mahogany or a variety of oak finishes. These machines can be quickly identified by a machined filigree around the cabinet just beneath the lid. Victor referred to this feature as a "Wall of Troy" design. Later versions of this iteration will have an "A" or "B" suffix to indicate minor design changes to mechanical components.
During the summer of 1911, Victor continued in its efforts to make their products more affordable for everyone, and introduced a completely new lineup of Victrolas. The brand-new VV-IX tabletop model looked about the same as the VV-X and shared many of the same components, but was priced $25.00 less, logically drawing most buyers away from the X.  Production of the VV-X therefore ceased in 1912, and it was transitioned into a floor model (see below).
While VV-X phonographs are not considered to be "rare", these earlier designs will garner more collector interest than the later designs. Based on the serial numbers of surviving examples, approximately 15,000 of these machines were made.

Iteration Two:  Open-Leg ("Spider Leg") Cabinet (1912-1913)
This unusual looking design, with long Queen Anne legs and a storage shelf underneath for record albums, was introduced in the summer of 1912, as the "new" VV-X. It appeared as a tabletop model sitting on legs, and did not do very well with the buying public. Still priced at $75.00, it proved to be a slow-seller, in part because it wasn't very practical. Only a few albums could be placed on the shelf, and when one was pulled-out, the others tended to fall over since there was inadequate side support.  These Victrolas will have a "C" or "D"  suffix letter after the serial number, indicating small upgrades to the motor and/or mechanical components. 
Approximately 25,000 copies of this variation were produced before it was quietly discontinued and transitioned into a fully-enclosed floor model (see below). Dealers had trouble moving them out of stock, and many remained unsold in inventory for several years afterwards, even when offered at a considerable discount. This version of the VV-X continued to use a two-spring motor and nickel-plated hardware as did its predecessor (above).
While VV-X phonographs are not considered to be "rare", these earlier designs will garner more collector interest than will the later designs.

Iteration Three: Enclosed floor cabinet (1913-1920)
The VV-X cabinet was modified for a third time, and was re-introduced in the fall of 1913.  Sales finally took-off, as it was Victor's most affordable and practical floor model. With plenty of secure space to store records and a nicely designed (if basic) cabinet with machined trim, it became a big hit with buyers. These Victrolas will have an "E", F", "G", "H" or "J" suffix letter after the serial number, indicating small upgrades to the motor and/or mechanical components.  Later machines may have an "A" suffix after the model number (see chart below). This version of the VV-X continued to use a two-spring motor and nickel-plated hardware as did its predicessor (above)
Approximately 525,000 copies of this variation were produced until it was discontinued in 1920, and replaced by the new VV-90 the following year.
Due to the large volume that were originally produced, these later versions of the VV-X (and many similar Victrola models) are typically ignored by collectors today, unless in exceptional original condition. They are simply too basic in design, and far too many were produced to be considered 'collectible' in the current market.

The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-X to be S/N 535 and the latest to be S/N 606091.

Please note that large blocks of serial numbers were likely skipped in production; therefore the total number produced and the highest serial number will not be correlated for this model!

Do you own a Victrola VV-X? Please take a moment and enter some basic information about your machine into the collector's database by clicking here. No personal information is required.