VV-111 / VE-111
The
VV-111 was the modernized replacement for Victor's "flagship" phonograph models, the VV-XVI and the short-lived
VV-120. The introduction of the VV-111 during the summer of 1922 was
concurrent with the updating of most of the Victrola product line. These newly-designed
machines were essentially the
same products that had been offered for more than 10 years prior, but now with a
refreshed appearance.
The VV-111 offered a cabinet which was comparable in size to the VV-XVI, along with the same four-spring motor and
gold-plated hardware. It was offered in a choice of mahogany, oak or walnut
veneer. A Victrola "No. 2" soundbox was standard. Hand-carved
corner posts were also provided. A shallower, sleeker lid and larger horn
provided an updated look, but the performance of this model was essentially the
same as its predecessors.
While the VV-111 sold reasonably well at introduction, the public's increasing
interest in radio was taking a toll on Victrola sales by the following year; production
of this model was abruptly discontinued in early 1924. However, since many
remained unsold, the VV-111 continued to be listed
in the Victor catalogs of 1924 and 1925.
Due to the overproduction of these machines, it is quite likely that
many late-production VV-111 models were sold during Victor's well-advertised
"half-price" sale during the summer of 1925. For more information on Victor's
financial crisis of 1924-1925 and the overproduction of phonographs, please
click
here.
The original 1922 selling price of the VV-111 was $225.00, which equates to
$4,500.00 in today's money. Walnut finishes (American or Circassian) added $50.00
to the price. An estimated total of 23,000 VV-111 models were
produced. A total of 1,300 VE-111 (electric motor) models were also
produced, all during late 1922. The VE version sold for an extra $40.00.
Many serial numbers were skipped for this model during production; therefore the
total number of units produced will not coincide with the serial number ranges.
| Manufacture Date (VV-111) | Serial Number Range | Feature Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | 501-14250 | |
| 1923 | 14251-21000 | |
| 1924 | 21001-23400 |
Note: All VE-111 models were produced in late 1922.
The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-111 to be S/N 628 and the latest to be S/N 23208. The earliest surviving VE-111 is S/N 504 and the latest is S/N 1924.
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