RCA Victor electric phonograph

I need help with a RCA Victor Phonograph. I am looking at one that is for sale and am trying to figure out if it is what they say. They said it was made in the 1920's and is the FIRST ELECTRIC phonograph made. The price is 1300.00. It is in great shape and it has original light that still works and original needles with the case and instructions. I love it and think it's wonderful. It also come with about 100 records. Can anyone tell me about or show me a picture of one of these that I can compare to. Please Help.

Hi Maurisa:


If the name "RCA" appears in the logo or on the ID plate, then this was not the first all electric phonograph. The earliest all-electric models hit the market in early 1926, though they were introduced to the press slightly earlier, in late 1925. While it's true that RCA supplied the electronic components for these phonographs, RCA did not acquire the Victor Talking Machine Company until 1929. The combined name -- RCA-Victor -- appears on the products after that time, where there were a number of all electric models for sale by various companies. ***

The Victor all-electric Victrolas (using loudspeakers and vacuum tube amplifiers in place of horns and sound boxes) were dubbed "Electrolas." There were also Electrola/Radiola combinations, starting in early 1926.

The early all-electric Victor models were given fancy names, in addition to numeric designations, such as:

The Cromwell (12-1); produced between 1926-1928
The Tuscany (12-2); produced 1926
The 12-15; produced 1928
The 12-25; produced 1927-1928
The Hyperion (15-1); produced 1926-1928

These earliest models were also very expensive and were housed in large cabinets with gold plated hardware.

Sources to check out:
Look for the Dog; Robert Baumbach
Victor-Victrola Page -- http://victor-victrola.com/

If possible, find out what the phonograph's model number is, and post back.
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***Added: 3/11/08

It occurred to me that this could also be an earlier style, acoustic Victrola equipped with the option electric motor, in place of the conventional spring motor. The electric motor option hit the market around 1912, and was available throughout the production run of all (upright model) acoustic Victrolas, which ended when RCA took over in 1929.

Wow, it seems as if you know your stuff. Thanks for the help. I am going buy there today to take another look now that I know what to look for. I will reply back later today with the information. I am interested to know what it really is now.

Okay, I went buy and this is what I found. On the metal plate is nipper and It says his masters voice. The Manufacturer is "the victor talking machine co." also on the plate is pat. in the year 1904. It is model VE 125. It also has the number 574 on the other end of the plate where the model is. It does not have RCA anywhere on it. That was on a flyer someone had typed up. SO PLEASE tell me what you know about this. I am in need of advise.

Hi Maurisa:

You'll find a full description of this model on this page: http://www.victor-victrola.com/125.htm

According to the serial number guide, this was made in 1925, which means it is one of the last "older style" Victrolas manufactured prior to the introduction of electrical recording and the "Orthophonic" (acoustic/wind-up) as well as Electrola (electrically-powered/vacuum tube amplified) lines of Victrolas that were introduced in November of that year to play those records.

As noted, the 125 was available with a standard four spring motor, or with an electric motor--for an additional charge. As I mentioned above, the first electric motors were available from Victor starting in 1912, and judging by the surviving examples, quite a number were sold.

So while this is not really an "electric phonograph," per-se, but an acoustic or mechanically amplified phonograph equipped with an electric motor; nonetheless, this is one of the more deluxe models. If the finish is in all original condition, with no real blemishes, scratches or scars--AND if the motor is in good, working condition, $1,300 would be a very good asking price. (Look carefully under the lid. The exterior finish should match that, though it will probably have darkened somewhat, with age.) If this has been refinished, or the motor does not work, then I would try to get the seller to come down a bit.

You can find out more about the history of Victrolas by culling through the many pages of this site -- http://www.victor-victrola.com

By the way, there's a VV-125, which is the same exact model, but with the spring motor, for sale on eBay right now, with a "Buy it Now" price tag of $2,500.00 -- http://cgi.ebay.com/Victor-Victrola-VV- ... 0817a35218



Hope this help,
Joe_DS

Dear Joe,

You have been most helpful. Thank you so much for your quick response. I hate this conversation is ending, I have really enjoyed learning from you. My e-mail is mlantz@tctc.edu if you ever want to share any other victrola info with me. I find them so interesting. Once again I thank you.

Maurisa