VV-X
This model spans three distinct cabinet designs, each with its own rarity and value rating:
- Tabletop Model (1910-1911): Rarity ** Value **
- Open-Leg ("Spider Leg") Floor Model (1912-1913): Rarity ** Value **
- Enclosed Floor Model (1913-1920): Rarity * Value *
What do rarity and value ratings mean?
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, with survival estimates suggesting somewhat higher numbers.
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 22,000 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 predecessor (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.
| Manufacture Date | Approximate Serial Number Range | Feature Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 501-3000 | Table model. First machines use bullet brake. |
| 1911 | 3000-12000 | A suffix used after s/n 8800. Tab brake used on A suffix models. |
| 1912 | 12000-24000 | Tabletop models have an A or B suffix. B suffix models used semi-circular speed bezel. Last tabletop model at approx s/n 15700. Block of serial numbers skipped before conversion to Spindle Leg model around s/n 16000. C and D suffix used on spindle leg models. |
| 1913 | 24000-46000 | Last open leg model approx s/n 30000. Conversion to full-sided floor model at approx s/n 32000. (Block of serial numbers skipped at conversion). First floor models are E suffix, with auto brake. Early full-side floor models have vertical record storage slats. F suffix late in year. |
| 1914 | 46000-91000 | F suffix used early in year. Many blocks of serial numbers skipped. G and H suffices used for brief period. H suffix models begin use of horizontal record shelves to replace vertical slats. J suffix added late in year. |
| 1915 | 91000-152000 | J suffix |
| 1916 | 152000-245000 | J suffix |
| 1917 | 245000-357000 | J suffix early in year. No suffix used for for s/n range 320000-340000. Small glass speed indicator added at S/N 320400. X-A* designation used late in year at approx s/n 340000 |
| 1918 | 357000-435000 | X-A* designation |
| 1919 | 435000-520000 | X-A* designation ended on some machines during mid year at approx s/n 458000 |
| 1920 | 520000-607000 |
The survival database currently shows the earliest existent VV-X to be S/N 535 and the latest to be S/N 607285. 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!
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