Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Hi Mike, How interesting! I have never heard of that before. We are learning so many new things this week. Thank you! Melissa From: Mike Stitt To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10:57 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! Melissa, A little tip learned years ago. Shape a piece of cork or whatever medium you choose to fit into the the tone arms U-tube. You want it to have a 45 degree cut. Put in front of the U-tube screw so as sound leaves the reproducer it hits the 45 degree angle and travels directly to the horn,. good will get better. A direct path instead of bouncing around. Mike Oldcranky On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 7:05 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you, Andrew! > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one > in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. > We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so > much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can > about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn > more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is > completed. > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is > just wonderful! :) > > Thanks so much again! > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and > compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > video and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Melissa > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > >> wonderful! > >> > >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you > could get > >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand > painted > >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could > afford it. > >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special > order, which > >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside > so that > >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > >> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabin
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Very cool! I thought you sounded like a writer. :) Thank you! Melissa From: Andrew Baron To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10:41 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! Learning is ultimately what it's all about. Or was it the Hokey Pokey? I get confused... I'm a pop-up book designer (among other things), so one foot is always in the publishing world. My pop-up website is www.popyrus.com. Best, Andrew On Sep 10, 2013, at 8:05 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you, Andrew! > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one in > the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. We > feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so much > fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can about > its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn more. > There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is completed. > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is > just wonderful! :) > > Thanks so much again! > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic graphics > lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the video > and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > >> Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. >> >> The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that >> reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its >> reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does >> such a great job on our reproducers! >> >> Thanks again, >> >> Melissa >> >> >> >> From: Andrew Baron >> To: Antique Phonograph List >> Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM >> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! >> >> >> A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly >> inspiring progress report. >> >> Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the >> machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again >> with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as >> well, underscoring a triumphant recording. >> >> Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century >> through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to >> tell. Thanks for sharing this one. >> >> Andrew Baron >> Santa Fe >> >> On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: >> >>> Hello Everyone, >>> >>> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would >>> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all >>> wonderful! >>> >>> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really >>> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made >>> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could >>> get >>> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted >>> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called >>> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford >>> it. >>> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, >>> which >>> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so >>> that >>> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra >>> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. >>> >>> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted >>> dur
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
i have two one is gold and the other is silver they are great i got mine from a seller in california years ago zono -Original Message- From: Mike Stitt To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Wed, Sep 11, 2013 11:31 am Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! Yes indeed Zono, if you have one. If not a simple and effective improvement. Thanks, oldcranky On Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 2:12 AM, wrote: > hi all > victor also had an attachment you could buy that did that very thing > you twisted the knob and it changed the angle of the cork > look in tim and george's book to see one > zono > > > > > > > > -Original Message- > From: Mike Stitt > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tue, Sep 10, 2013 11:15 pm > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > Melissa, > A little tip learned years ago. Shape a piece of cork or whatever medium > you choose to fit into the the tone arms U-tube. You want it to have a 45 > degree cut. Put in front of the U-tube screw so as sound leaves the > reproducer it hits the 45 degree angle and travels directly to the horn,. > good will get better. A direct path instead of bouncing around. > Mike > Oldcranky > > > On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 7:05 PM, Melissa Ricci > wrote: > > > Thank you, Andrew! > > > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one > > in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. > > We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been > so > > much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we > can > > about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn > > more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is > > completed. > > > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails > is > > just wonderful! :) > > > > Thanks so much again! > > Melissa > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say > that. > > > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > > Victrola was given this treatment. > > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring > and > > compelling. > > > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > > video and make it available. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > > > Thanks again, > > > > > > Melissa > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > > inspiring progress report. > > > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > > > Andrew Baron > > > Santa Fe > > > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > > > >> Hello Everyone, > > >> > > >> Here is
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Yes indeed Zono, if you have one. If not a simple and effective improvement. Thanks, oldcranky On Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 2:12 AM, wrote: > hi all > victor also had an attachment you could buy that did that very thing > you twisted the knob and it changed the angle of the cork > look in tim and george's book to see one > zono > > > > > > > > -Original Message- > From: Mike Stitt > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tue, Sep 10, 2013 11:15 pm > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > Melissa, > A little tip learned years ago. Shape a piece of cork or whatever medium > you choose to fit into the the tone arms U-tube. You want it to have a 45 > degree cut. Put in front of the U-tube screw so as sound leaves the > reproducer it hits the 45 degree angle and travels directly to the horn,. > good will get better. A direct path instead of bouncing around. > Mike > Oldcranky > > > On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 7:05 PM, Melissa Ricci > wrote: > > > Thank you, Andrew! > > > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one > > in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. > > We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been > so > > much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we > can > > about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn > > more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is > > completed. > > > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails > is > > just wonderful! :) > > > > Thanks so much again! > > Melissa > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say > that. > > > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > > Victrola was given this treatment. > > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring > and > > compelling. > > > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > > video and make it available. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > > > Thanks again, > > > > > > Melissa > > > > > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > > inspiring progress report. > > > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > > > Andrew Baron > > > Santa Fe > > > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > > > >> Hello Everyone, > > >> > > >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > > >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are > all > > >> wonderful! > > >> > > >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > > &
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
hi all victor also had an attachment you could buy that did that very thing you twisted the knob and it changed the angle of the cork look in tim and george's book to see one zono -Original Message- From: Mike Stitt To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Tue, Sep 10, 2013 11:15 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! Melissa, A little tip learned years ago. Shape a piece of cork or whatever medium you choose to fit into the the tone arms U-tube. You want it to have a 45 degree cut. Put in front of the U-tube screw so as sound leaves the reproducer it hits the 45 degree angle and travels directly to the horn,. good will get better. A direct path instead of bouncing around. Mike Oldcranky On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 7:05 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you, Andrew! > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one > in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. > We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so > much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can > about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn > more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is > completed. > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is > just wonderful! :) > > Thanks so much again! > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and > compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > video and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Melissa > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > >> wonderful! > >> > >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you > could get > >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand > painted > >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could > afford it. > >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special > order, which > >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside > so that > >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > >> pinho
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Melissa, A little tip learned years ago. Shape a piece of cork or whatever medium you choose to fit into the the tone arms U-tube. You want it to have a 45 degree cut. Put in front of the U-tube screw so as sound leaves the reproducer it hits the 45 degree angle and travels directly to the horn,. good will get better. A direct path instead of bouncing around. Mike Oldcranky On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 7:05 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you, Andrew! > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one > in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. > We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so > much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can > about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn > more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is > completed. > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is > just wonderful! :) > > Thanks so much again! > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and > compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > video and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Melissa > > > > > > > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > >> wonderful! > >> > >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you > could get > >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand > painted > >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could > afford it. > >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special > order, which > >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside > so that > >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > >> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. > >> > >> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted > >> during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it > painted > >> fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted > >> decorations! Once w
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Learning is ultimately what it's all about. Or was it the Hokey Pokey? I get confused... I'm a pop-up book designer (among other things), so one foot is always in the publishing world. My pop-up website is www.popyrus.com. Best, Andrew On Sep 10, 2013, at 8:05 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you, Andrew! > > Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one in > the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! > > We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. We > feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so much > fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can about > its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn more. > There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is completed. > > Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is > just wonderful! :) > > Thanks so much again! > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic graphics > lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the video > and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > >> Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. >> >> The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that >> reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its >> reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does >> such a great job on our reproducers! >> >> Thanks again, >> >> Melissa >> >> >> >> From: Andrew Baron >> To: Antique Phonograph List >> Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM >> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! >> >> >> A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly >> inspiring progress report. >> >> Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the >> machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again >> with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as >> well, underscoring a triumphant recording. >> >> Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century >> through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to >> tell. Thanks for sharing this one. >> >> Andrew Baron >> Santa Fe >> >> On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: >> >>> Hello Everyone, >>> >>> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would >>> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all >>> wonderful! >>> >>> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really >>> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made >>> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could >>> get >>> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted >>> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called >>> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford >>> it. >>> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, >>> which >>> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so >>> that >>> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra >>> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. >>> >>> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted >>> during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted >>> fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted >>> decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a >>
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Thank you, Andrew! Steve really is second to none. All of our reproducers sound like the one in the video. Loud, clear and beautiful! We very much appreciate your opinion on the authenticity of the machine. We feel like we have learned so much in the past two weeks! It has been so much fun. As I said, we are going to continue to find out as much as we can about its history. We will be sure to keep updating the group as we learn more. There will definitely be at least one follow up video when it is completed. Incidentally, are you a writer or a teacher? The wording in your emails is just wonderful! :) Thanks so much again! Melissa From: Andrew Baron To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:40 AM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or Victrola was given this treatment. No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and compelling. Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the video and make it available. Andrew Baron Santa Fe On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > Thanks again, > > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the > machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again > with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as > well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century > through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to > tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > >> Hello Everyone, >> >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all >> wonderful! >> >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could >> get >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford >> it. >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, >> which >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so >> that >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra >> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. >> >> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted >> during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted >> fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted >> decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a >> mandolin, >> sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can also >> see >> the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the process >> of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a >> formal >> appraisal. >> >> It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we >> were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last weekend! >> What a >> disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine running for >> the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just replaced >> along >> with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin on the >>
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
By the way-if you cannot find someone in the area that can do the removal of paint-please contact me I can do the testing and let you know what can be done. A number of folks including Andrew know who I am. Abe Feder The Restoration House LLC 602-622-7289 On Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:40 PM, Andrew Baron wrote: > That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's > expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. > > Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it > wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or > Victrola was given this treatment. > No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic > graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and > compelling. > > Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the > video and make it available. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > > On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Melissa > > > > > > ____________ > > From: Andrew Baron > > To: Antique Phonograph List > > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and > the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive > again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and > flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a > century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real > stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > > > Andrew Baron > > Santa Fe > > > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > > > >> Hello Everyone, > >> > >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > >> wonderful! > >> > >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you > could get > >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand > painted > >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could > afford it. > >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special > order, which > >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside > so that > >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > >> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. > >> > >> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted > >> during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it > painted > >> fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted > >> decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a > mandolin, > >> sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can > also see > >> the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the > process > >> of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a > formal > >> appraisal. > >> > >> It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we > >> were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last > weekend! What a > >> disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine > running for > >> the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just > replaced along > >> with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin > on the > >> left side of the cabinet. I hope you can see it through the paint on > Youtube. Please note that the original crank is missing from this machine > so we borrowed one from our other Victor
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
That would explain the great sound. I'm also a recipient of Steve's expertise and labor, and count myself very fortunate to be able to say that. Regarding the choice of a Victor III for the Vernis-Martin finish, it wouldn't be the first time that a less than top-of-the-line Victor or Victrola was given this treatment. No doubt in my mind about what you have. The images of the artistic graphics lurking beneath the gold paint are at once haunting, inspiring and compelling. Thanks again for sharing your find and taking the time to produce the video and make it available. Andrew Baron Santa Fe On Sep 9, 2013, at 5:34 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. > > The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that > reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its > reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does > such a great job on our reproducers! > > Thanks again, > > Melissa > > > > From: Andrew Baron > To: Antique Phonograph List > Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! > > > A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly > inspiring progress report. > > Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the > machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again > with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as > well, underscoring a triumphant recording. > > Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century > through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to > tell. Thanks for sharing this one. > > Andrew Baron > Santa Fe > > On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > >> Hello Everyone, >> >> Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would >> like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all >> wonderful! >> >> We were emailed off list about what we now know we really >> have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made >> cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could >> get >> pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted >> figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called >> Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford >> it. >> The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, >> which >> now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so >> that >> it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra >> pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. >> >> We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted >> during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted >> fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted >> decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a >> mandolin, >> sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can also >> see >> the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the process >> of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a >> formal >> appraisal. >> >> It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we >> were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last weekend! >> What a >> disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine running for >> the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just replaced >> along >> with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin on the >> left side of the cabinet. I hope you can see it through the paint on >> Youtube. Please note that the original crank is missing from this machine so >> we borrowed one from our other Victor III. >> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQobeO-HfLw&feature=youtu.be >> >> We are thrilled to own such a rare machine and it is going >> to stay in our collection for a while before we ever consider selling it. We >> certainly want to make it look as nice as we possibly can while still keeping >> it as original as possible. >> >> We will send a post when we find an expert to remove that >> top layer of paint and try to restore the images underneath. What we thought >> was a frankenphone turned out to be something special. You never k
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Hi Rick and Stephan, We felt the exact same way when we first saw the machine. We almost didn't even bid on it because we were pretty convinced that it was some sort of hand made frankenphone. It is very curious that a wealthy person would choose a slightly lower end machine to put such a fancy finish on. That stumped the expert who contacted us as well, although from what I understand, stranger things have happened. We were also told that the serial number dates the machine to 1910 which was a little late for this type of machine and decoration. All of that certainly adds to the mystery and we are hoping to continue researching to find some more answers. Once we get the machine in the best possible shape, we are going to submit fresh pictures to get a formal appraisal which will also help authenticate the machine. We are as surprised as can be, trust me! We were days away from stripping this thing down to bare wood. Since we found the painted figures under the top coat, and sent the pics to a few notable people, we are now pretty confident it is real, odd, but real. That is why we decided to make this post to the group. Before we found the decoration, there was still a chance it was just a homemade mess so we kept it to ourselves. The person who contacted us off list is a true expert and once we get permission to do so, we will let you know who the expert is. Since we had never heard of such a thing, we are taking that person's word that it is authentic. There were also a couple other people who confirmed it for us as well once we sent them pictures. To answer your question, we did take the entire machine apart and all the holes appear factory made and line up perfectly. There are no extra holes at all. The joints and the wood all seems perfect. There are no mismatched pieces or out of place seams. It is all definitely old and worn with some damage and typical alligatoring to the surface. All of the hardware has original gold plating from the brake and speed control to the tone arm and horn elbow. The inside of the machine, even under the hinges is all gold leaf. I scratched off a bit of the "new" paint from the front column and the gleaming gold leaf is right under the surface. We found a restorer who told us today that she may be able to save the painted decorations and re-gold leaf the cabinet. We will certainly post here as things progress. We are still searching for more answers so we'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for you interest in our machine. Melissa From: Stephan Puille To: "phono-l@oldcrank.org" Sent: Monday, September 9, 2013 3:39 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! I am surprised that an ultra wealthy chose a comparatively cheap machine for such a costly decoration method. The restoration will show if the artistic quality is up to the standard we expect from well executed vernis Martin style. Stephan ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Hi Rick and Stephan, We felt the exact same way when we first saw the machine. We almost didn't even bid on it because we were pretty convinced that it was some sort of hand made frankenphone. It is very curious that a wealthy person would choose a slightly lower end machine to put such a fancy finish on. That stumped the expert who contacted us as well, although from what I understand, stranger things have happened. We were also told that the serial number dates the machine to 1910 which was a little late for this type of machine and decoration. All of that certainly adds to the mystery and we are hoping to continue researching to find some more answers. Once we get the machine in the best possible shape, we are going to submit fresh pictures to get a formal appraisal which will also help authenticate the machine. We are as surprised as can be, trust me! We were days away from stripping this thing down to bare wood. Since we found the painted figures under the top coat, and sent the pics to a few notable people, we are now pretty confident it is real, odd, but real. That is why we decided to make this post to the group. Before we found the decoration, there was still a chance it was just a homemade mess so we kept it to ourselves. The person who contacted us off list is a true expert and once we get permission to do so, we will let you know who the expert is. Since we had never heard of such a thing, we are taking that person's word that it is authentic. There were also a couple other people who confirmed it for us as well once we sent them pictures. To answer your question, we did take the entire machine apart and all the holes appear factory made and line up perfectly. There are no extra holes at all. The joints and the wood all seems perfect. There are no mismatched pieces or out of place seams. It is all definitely old and worn with some damage and typical alligatoring to the surface. All of the hardware has original gold plating from the brake and speed control to the tone arm and horn elbow. The inside of the machine, even under the hinges is all gold leaf. I scratched off a bit of the "new" paint from the front column and the gleaming gold leaf is right under the surface. We found a restorer who told us today that she may be able to save the painted decorations and re-gold leaf the cabinet. We will certainly post here as things progress. We are still searching for more answers so we'll let you know what happens. Thanks again for you interest in our machine. Melissa From: rick To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Monday, September 9, 2013 4:16 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! As a follow up to Stephan, are you sure this is a special order model? Did you remove the back bracket and look at the holes to see if the hoels were straight and to verify if the holes were drilled in a factory or by a hand drill? I would want to be sure that this case was not made by a cabinet maker where only the parts were taken from a Victor III. -Original Message- From: Stephan Puille To: phono-l Sent: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 3:58 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! I am surprised that an ultra wealthy chose a comparatively cheap machine for uch a costly decoration method. The restoration will show if the artistic uality is up to the standard we expect from well executed vernis Martin style. Stephan __ hono-L mailing list ttp://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Thank you so much, Andrew! What a nice email. The reason the sound is so good is because Steve Medved rebuilt that reproducer for us! Unfortunately, the machine did not come with its reproducer, so we put one of our extra ones on it for testing. Steve does such a great job on our reproducers! Thanks again, Melissa From: Andrew Baron To: Antique Phonograph List Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 11:35 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly inspiring progress report. Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. Andrew Baron Santa Fe On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Hello Everyone, > > Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > wonderful! > > We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could get > pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted > figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford > it. > The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, which > now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so that > it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. > > We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted > during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted > fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted > decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a mandolin, > sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can also see > the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the process > of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a formal > appraisal. > > It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we > were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last weekend! What > a > disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine running for > the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just replaced along > with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin on the > left side of the cabinet. I hope you can see it through the paint on Youtube. > Please note that the original crank is missing from this machine so we > borrowed one from our other Victor III. > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQobeO-HfLw&feature=youtu.be > > We are thrilled to own such a rare machine and it is going > to stay in our collection for a while before we ever consider selling it. We > certainly want to make it look as nice as we possibly can while still keeping > it as original as possible. > > We will send a post when we find an expert to remove that > top layer of paint and try to restore the images underneath. What we thought > was a frankenphone turned out to be something special. You never know what > you’re going to come across at an auction! > > Happy Hunting. J > > Melissa and Nick > ___ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
As a follow up to Stephan, are you sure this is a special order model? Did you remove the back bracket and look at the holes to see if the hoels were straight and to verify if the holes were drilled in a factory or by a hand drill? I would want to be sure that this case was not made by a cabinet maker where only the parts were taken from a Victor III. -Original Message- From: Stephan Puille To: phono-l Sent: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 3:58 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE! I am surprised that an ultra wealthy chose a comparatively cheap machine for uch a costly decoration method. The restoration will show if the artistic uality is up to the standard we expect from well executed vernis Martin style. Stephan __ hono-L mailing list ttp://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
I am surprised that an ultra wealthy chose a comparatively cheap machine for such a costly decoration method. The restoration will show if the artistic quality is up to the standard we expect from well executed vernis Martin style. Stephan ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
A hearty congratulations Melissa, and thanks for the update. A truly inspiring progress report. Great to see the mandolin and roses under the existing gold paint, and the machine sounds wonderful. How satisfying it must be to have it alive again with its new mainsprings. Looks like new reproducer gaskets and flange as well, underscoring a triumphant recording. Machines like this, that are so rare and have survived more than a century through questionable practices and poor conditions, have real stories to tell. Thanks for sharing this one. Andrew Baron Santa Fe On Sep 8, 2013, at 5:52 PM, Melissa Ricci wrote: > Hello Everyone, > > Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would > like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all > wonderful! > > We were emailed off list about what we now know we really > have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made > cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could get > pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted > figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called > Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford > it. > The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, which > now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so that > it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra > pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. > > We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted > during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted > fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted > decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a mandolin, > sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can also see > the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the process > of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a formal > appraisal. > > It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we > were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last weekend! What > a > disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine running for > the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just replaced along > with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin on the > left side of the cabinet. I hope you can see it through the paint on Youtube. > Please note that the original crank is missing from this machine so we > borrowed one from our other Victor III. > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQobeO-HfLw&feature=youtu.be > > We are thrilled to own such a rare machine and it is going > to stay in our collection for a while before we ever consider selling it. We > certainly want to make it look as nice as we possibly can while still keeping > it as original as possible. > > We will send a post when we find an expert to remove that > top layer of paint and try to restore the images underneath. What we thought > was a frankenphone turned out to be something special. You never know what > you’re going to come across at an auction! > > Happy Hunting. J > > Melissa and Nick > ___ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Mystery Victor III-UPDATE!
Hello Everyone, Here is an update on our Mystery Victor III. First, we would like to thank everybody who emailed us with advice and help! You are all wonderful! We were emailed off list about what we now know we really have. It turns out that back in the day, Victor made special custom made cabinet styles for the ultra wealthy. When you are that wealthy, you could get pretty much anything you wanted including a gold Victor with hand painted figures on the sides and all gold plated hardware! The style is called Vernis-Martin and was apparently pretty popular with those who could afford it. The different columns, cabinet style and color were all a special order, which now makes perfect sense. The patent plate was originally on the inside so that it wouldn’t cover the flowers. We were wondering why there were no extra pinholes anywhere on the outside of the cabinet. Now we know. We assumed correctly that the machine had been re-painted during its lifetime and unfortunately, the person who “restored” it painted fresh gold paint right over the original finish and the hand painted decorations! Once we cleaned the cabinet up, you could clearly see a mandolin, sheet music and roses with leaves under the topcoat of paint. You can also see the original bright gold leaf under the ugly new paint. We are in the process of finding an expert in restoring these types of finishes and getting a formal appraisal. It is a good thing we were contacted about this when we were. We were all set to strip the cabinet and refinish it last weekend! What a disaster that would have been. Below is a link to see the machine running for the first time. The machine had two broken springs that we just replaced along with a good motor cleaning. I tried to get a good shot of the mandolin on the left side of the cabinet. I hope you can see it through the paint on Youtube. Please note that the original crank is missing from this machine so we borrowed one from our other Victor III. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQobeO-HfLw&feature=youtu.be We are thrilled to own such a rare machine and it is going to stay in our collection for a while before we ever consider selling it. We certainly want to make it look as nice as we possibly can while still keeping it as original as possible. We will send a post when we find an expert to remove that top layer of paint and try to restore the images underneath. What we thought was a frankenphone turned out to be something special. You never know what you’re going to come across at an auction! Happy Hunting. J Melissa and Nick ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
