VV 1-6
The
VV 1-6 was a basic 'suitcase' portable phonograph introduced during the
early summer of 1926. It was considered to be an entry-level model with a
black faux-hard-leather cover over a wood case. It came with a single spring motor and a Victrola
"No. 4" soundbox, and did not feature Orthophonic reproduction. Sound was
directed from the tonearm through a wood baffle inside the case, and out the
front grille opening. The 1-6 was made through early 1927 at which point
production was terminated, having been replaced by the new VV 2-35.
However, the 'overstock' of these machines at the plant resulted in shipments
trickling out to dealers through the remainder of 1927.
The original selling price of the VV 1-6 was $25.00, which equates to about
$480.00 in today's money. An estimated total of 16,700 Victrola 1-6 examples were
produced, making it one of the less-common portable models. However, a general
lack of collector interest in portable Victrolas limits the current valuation.
Approximate chronology of Victrola "Suitcase" portable models
| 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Model | VV-35 | VV-35 | VV-35 / VV 1-6 | VV 1-6 / VV 2-30 | VV 2-30 / VV 2-35 | VV 2-35 | |||
| Premium Model | VV-50 | VV-50 | VV-50 | VV-50 | VV-50 | VV-50 / VV 1-5 | VV 1-5 / VV 2-60 | VV 2-60 / VV 2-55 | VV 2-55 |
The current survival database shows the earliest existent VV 1-6 to be S/N 673 and the latest to be S/N 15660.
Do you own a Victrola VV 1-6? 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.