Circa 1897. This model Berliner, Style 5, (with the optional brass horn) became the trademark of first the Berliner Gramophone Company, then the Victor Talking Machine Company and later RCA Victor as a result of a painting of the time by Francis Barraud which was purchased along with the copyright by the Berliner Company.
Circa 1897. This model Berliner, Style 5, became the trademark of first the Berliner Gramophone Company, then the Victor Talking Machine Company and later RCA Victor as a result of a painting of the time by Francis Barraud which was purchased along with the copyright by the Berliner Company.
Circa 1901. Sold for $12. A continuation of an earlier Berliner style.
Front mount horn from about 1902 – 1903 for about $15
Cost about $25 circa 1902
Introduced in 1901. This is the second style from 1902. It sold for around $35
Introduced in 1902. This example has the earlier concert soundbox and optional all brass 30 inch horn. It sold for $45 – $50 in the standard configuration
This rear mount model with “rigid arm” was introduced in late 1902. Still stamped as a Type E on the dataplate, it was shown in Victor literature as a Victor II. Paper tag on the bottom says it could not be sold for less than $30 and is dated March 1, 1902
This rear mount model with the “tapered arm dates from around 1903 or 1904 and sold for $35 -$40
This rear mount model with the “tapered arm dates from around 1903 or 1904 and sold for $35 -$40
This rear mount model with the “tapered arm dates from about 1903. Still stamped as a Type MS on the dataplate, it was shown in Victor literature as a Victor IV It sold in this configuration for around $45
This rear mount model with the “tapered arm dates from about 1903. Stamped as a Type D on the dataplate, it was shown in Victor literature as a Victor V It sold in this configuration (with small horn) for around $55. The extra large horns in subsequent pictures would have cost extra. The largest “L” sized horn, the largest self supporting horn Victor made could be purchased as with the machine for an extra $10 or as an option for an extra $15.
This rear mount model with the “tapered arm dates from about 1903. Stamped as a Type D on the dataplate, it was shown in Victor literature as a Victor V It sold in this configuration (with small horn) for around $55. The extra large horns in subsequent pictures would have cost extra. The largest “L” sized horn, the largest self supporting horn Victor made could be purchased as with the machine for an extra $10 or as an option for an extra $15.
This style Victor I dates from about 1905. It cost about $22
Also known as the humpback two.
This style Victor II dates from around 1909 and would have cost about $30 – $32
This early style Victor III dates from about 1903 or 1904. The sticker on the bottom is dated March 1, 1902 and states the machine can not be sold for less than $40. The larger than normal horn, offered as standard equipment on a Victor V would have been an option available at extra cost.
This later Victor III offered from 1906 – 1920 would have sold for $40 – $45. The wood horn would have been an extra $10 option!
This Victor IV offered from 1906 – 1920 would have sold for $55 – $57.50. Shownwith a brass bell horn, one of this vintage would normally be offered with a petaled horn. The wood horn would have been an extra $10 option!
This Victor V offered from 1906 – 1920 would have sold for $60 – $67.50. Shownwith a brass bell horn with this petaled horn. The wood horn would have been an extra $10 option!
The Victor VI was first offered in late 1904 at a whopping price of $100. It was initially offered with the Japanned paper mache horn shown in the first picture. For a very short time it was offered with the petaled horn seen in the second picture when imports for the Japanned horn were not possible due to the Russo-Japanese war. From early 1905 it was offered with the #24B brass horn and subsequently with the familiar #31 mahogany horn. This very early model is serial number 600.
The Victor VI was first offered in late 1904 at a whopping price of $100. It was initially offered with the Japanned paper mache horn shown in the first picture. For a very short time it was offered with the petaled horn seen in the second picture when imports for the Japanned horn were not possible due to the Russo-Japanese war. From early 1905 it was offered with the #24B brass horn and subsequently with the familiar #31 mahogany horn. This very early model is serial number 600.
This later style model circa 1908 – 1915 has a larger case than the earlier style. One odd thing about this machine is the serial number on the paper tag on the bottom says 5785 while the number on the dataplate is 6300. Both appear to be original to the machine. The paper tag also carrys the date March 1, 1902 and states the machine cannot be sold for less than $100.
Introduced at a price of $60. Almost 19,000 of these shipped mostly to schools between 1913 and 1927 with the vast majority shipping by 1920. After that, sales dropped off dramatically. photos courtesy of MusicalTreasures of Miami
This model is generally recognized as the first internal horn phonograph offered to the public. Introduced in a couple of basic variations between August 1906 and 1909 when it was renamed and continued in the line as the Victrola XVI. Offered in oak or mahogany at $200 or in the very special Circassian Walnut finish for $250! Photos Courtesy of Musical Treasures of Miami.
The Victorla 50 was sold from 1921 – 1925. It was the first Victor machine designed to be portable.
