Really beautiful machine. This is the very first version of the model with the full metal horn. The vv50 came new with the No. 2 reproducer. It was not an upgrade. If you had an older machine with the Exhibition, you could go into a dealer and buy one. The oak is a lot more rare than the mahogany because it wasn't very popular. Oak cases are more expensive to make because of the cuts to the wood to create that look. Creates a lot of waste.
@@Tojazzer I have had multiple VV - 50 machines that had exhibition reproducers. I would have to say the vast majority of the ones I have worked with had the exhibition. One time I found an all brass number four reproducer on a 50, that was a happy day. One or two exhibition reproducers on these machines is just somebody selling them sticking it on there so they have a reproducer if it was missing. When you start seeing more than 10 or 20 like that, chances are that’s how they came. Ago I remember reading someplace about at least the early models coming with the exhibition reproducer that could be upgraded like any other Victrola at the owners expense if they chose. I did have a 50 that once came with a number two on the tone arm and the blue paper Jewel case inside the horn that contained a very nice exhibition.
@@Rockisland1903I just checked with Baumbach's Look For The Dog. He claims that the vv-50 did in fact come with the No. 2 reproducer. This would make sense as they both debuted at the same time in 1921. Nice to find a brass no. 4. That's a keeper.
@@theragingbull7059 I don’t have a 109 here in front of me to examine just now, but there is always a way to get the doors off. You might have to do it from the inside of the machine which means pulling the motor board and maybe even loosening the horn. But you should be able to see something of the hinge and if you see something of the hinge, there should be screws that hold the hinge to the door someplace. I have never yet seen a gramophone with doors that did not have a way to get the hinge off. Just take your time and examine it and carefully disassemble however, much of the machine you must to reach whatever holds the hinges to the wood. Most of these HMV tabletop models are somewhat copy of the Victor machine. This one looks close size to the Victrola number eight. I do have a 106 put away and I will try to get a look at it tomorrow to see what holds the hinges in place as it’s probably very similar to what you have
Thanks Jim.
Always interesting!
Nice story of how it all began. We have all benefited from your journey!
Really beautiful machine. This is the very first version of the model with the full metal horn. The vv50 came new with the No. 2 reproducer. It was not an upgrade. If you had an older machine with the Exhibition, you could go into a dealer and buy one. The oak is a lot more rare than the mahogany because it wasn't very popular. Oak cases are more expensive to make because of the cuts to the wood to create that look. Creates a lot of waste.
@@Tojazzer I have had multiple VV - 50 machines that had exhibition reproducers. I would have to say the vast majority of the ones I have worked with had the exhibition. One time I found an all brass number four reproducer on a 50, that was a happy day. One or two exhibition reproducers on these machines is just somebody selling them sticking it on there so they have a reproducer if it was missing. When you start seeing more than 10 or 20 like that, chances are that’s how they came. Ago I remember reading someplace about at least the early models coming with the exhibition reproducer that could be upgraded like any other Victrola at the owners expense if they chose. I did have a 50 that once came with a number two on the tone arm and the blue paper Jewel case inside the horn that contained a very nice exhibition.
The VV 35 on the other hand always had the number two after it’s released in 1923 as the second portable Victrola made by the Victor Company
@@Rockisland1903I just checked with Baumbach's Look For The Dog. He claims that the vv-50 did in fact come with the No. 2 reproducer. This would make sense as they both debuted at the same time in 1921. Nice to find a brass no. 4. That's a keeper.
Is there any way to remove the doors off a hmv 109, or are they stuck permanently to the gramophone
@@theragingbull7059 I don’t have a 109 here in front of me to examine just now, but there is always a way to get the doors off. You might have to do it from the inside of the machine which means pulling the motor board and maybe even loosening the horn. But you should be able to see something of the hinge and if you see something of the hinge, there should be screws that hold the hinge to the door someplace. I have never yet seen a gramophone with doors that did not have a way to get the hinge off. Just take your time and examine it and carefully disassemble however, much of the machine you must to reach whatever holds the hinges to the wood. Most of these HMV tabletop models are somewhat copy of the Victor machine. This one looks close size to the Victrola number eight. I do have a 106 put away and I will try to get a look at it tomorrow to see what holds the hinges in place as it’s probably very similar to what you have
@Rockisland1903 cause I don't see any hinges with these doors I thing I would have to remove the wood surrounding it.
what is the case/cabinet made of? tiger oak or tiger maple?
@@corricatt oak, and mahogany were the only two choices available.