The Victor -VVX (25) was also called the “School House Phonographâ€. The Victor XXV was intended to be used in schoolhouses. This phonograph was build to withstand rough use and could be moved with ease. The Victor XXV was made of basic oak. A lockable lid was also included to prevent little hands from damaging the tone arm and turntable. The early Victor VVX phonographs had a non-removable lid. This was soon replaced with a more convenient lid that could be removed and hung from the back of the phonograph. Other design upgrades soon followed. One of these upgrades was the ability to store the horn under the phonograph using a hinge system. This phonograph also has a pull out self that could be used for temporary storage for phonograph records.
Prior to 1917 the Victor XXV was designated V-XXV. Post 1917 the Victor XXV was designated VV-XXV. Approximately 18,500 Victor XXV phonographs were sold between 1913 and 1925. The Victor XXV was discontinued in 1925. To learn more about the history of the Victor Phonograph Company see my Victor Talking Machine Company from 1901-1929 article that I published earlier.
The initial cost of this phonograph was $60.00. The base cost in 1925 was $115.00. Most schools were given a discounted price. The Victor used these machines to also promote there products to a young listening audience.
You can date your Victor XXV phonograph by using the following time line of serial numbers.
|
Year |
Serial Number |
Information |
|
1913 |
501-2000 |
Theses phonographs were the models with the non-removable lids |
|
1914 |
2000-3600 |
The removable lid was introduced at serial number 2600 |
|
1915 |
3600-4950 |
|
|
1916 |
4950-7000 |
|
|
1917 |
700-9700 |
The Victor XXV went for the V-XXV to the VV-XXV at serial number 7850. There was a “A†suffix used after serial number 9400 this was due to the introduction of a revised motor design. The “A†was later dropped from the nameplate but the revised motor remained. |
|
1918 |
9700-10750 |
“A†suffix was eliminated after serial number 10400 |
|
1919 |
10750-13000 |
|
|
1920 |
13000-15600 |
|
|
1921 |
15600-16600 |
|
|
1922 |
16600-17200 |
|
|
1923 |
17200-18000 |
|
|
1924 |
18000-18800 |
|
|
1925 |
18800-19000 |
|
tring to date my machine vv-x 204914 j
Hi Ray,
Your Victor phonograph was made between Aug. 1914 and Oct. 1917. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Korin
Thank you for helping me date my victor school house phonograph serial number 15434. What is the value of a vv-xxv school house average condition to excellent condition
Hi David,
These are considered somewhat rare I have seen them go as high at $15,000(USD). The market has changed alot in the past few years so I would say the value is around $5000 (USD. If you want to sell this I would suggest using this auction house http://stantons-auctions.com/ they speicalize in selling mechanical music items. I have dealt with them many times and only have good things to say about them.