VictRola

The "VV-XVI” was the original internal-horn phonography; officially introduced in 1906, it remained the Victrola flagship model for many years. Although it was originally advertised as “Victrola the Sixteenth” (XVI), the metal identification tag used a “VTLA” designation in the early years. This was the first commercial product to enclose the horn inside a stylish cabinet. Selling for a whopping $200.00 it be- came an immediate hit.

In early 1907, the VTLA adopted a patented domed-lid design, allowing the turntable to sit nearly flush with the top of the cabinet (right). The “L” shaped storage doors were retained. This design became a huge success with the buying public, and the dome design became the standard lid for most Victrolas for the next 20 years. Victor and Pooley shared production of these domed-lid models for a few years but by 1909, Victor’s factory took over all manufacture of Victrola cabinets. The demand for these models exceeded Victor’s wildest dream, and based on the public’s response, new lower-priced internal- horn models were quickly introduced.

An "E" suffix was Introduced in 1912, where in the cabinet design was significantly changed (left). The “L- doors” were eliminated, and the horn opening was widened. In addition, wooden slats were added inside the horn cavity. The crank was moved forward as well.

This Victrola was found in a farm house at the corner of New Brownsville Road and Egypt Central Road near Bartlett where it had spent the last 90 years. According to the family from whom this machine was purchased, this 1912 Victrola XVI E was asked to pay a large bill for eggs and milk that was owed to the farm owners about 1920. It was found with all its original record storage albums and the original collection of records in them, many of which have record tags on the labels from early Memphis music stores. The springs have been repaired, the reproducer rebuilt and some parts had their gold plating redone. It is now in perfect playing condition.