This VV-80 was a replacement for the VV-X, which was made from 1913-1921. Both of these models were the very cheapest entry-level model of Victrola you could buy from the Victor company. The next one up in the line was the VV-XI, replaced in 1922 by the VV-90. The machine you are considering is a $200 Victrola, NOT a $500 machine. Most were mahogany, some were in oak(adds maybe $25-50 to the price).I have a pair of VV-Xs, one in mahogany & one in oak. Nice machines, good players-they are not junk. I'm just saying they are NOT rare models as almost 600,000 were made. The VV-XI was more prolific, with almost 900,000 made. The seller is a dreamer, even if it's in "good" condition. How does it sound? Clear & crisp or harsh & rattling? After 88 years that VV-80 will need a fresh gasket rebuild for the reproducer(needle head). Does it play through an entire record without winding down? If it slows down before the record is over it has a bad spring & will need a replacement. Does it make "thumping" noises when it plays? If so, the old grease has hardened to a sludge-the motor needs to be disassembled, springs cleaned, new grease packed into it. That job(springs replaced also) will cost about $100, plus shipping if it can't be done local to you. A new reproducer gasket(rebuild job) can be $60-85, depending on where you have it done. So feel free to make an offer-any Victor Victrola machine in good shape will be a well-built, efficient 78 player. Just don't get "taken" by some seller who thinks he has a retirement nest egg on four legs
