VV 4-40 / VE 4-40 X
The
4-40 was a popular mid-priced console-style Orthophonic phonograph introduced in early
1927. It was an updated successor to the VV 4-4 "Granada".
Interestingly (and unlike most other Victor models) the production serialization
picked-up where the 4-4 models left-off (at s/n 80000 for spring-wound "VV" versions and at 12800 for the electric "VE" versions). The 4-40 featured a
medium-size folded Orthophonic horn, a 2-spring motor, and an elegant, modern
"low-boy" cabinet. Nickel-plated hardware and an automatic brake were provided;
the hardware was later enhanced via an "antique bronze" finish
toward the end of production. The 4-40 was an immediate hit, as it provided
excellent performance in a substantial cabinet for an affordable price.
Production ended in late 1928, but unsold machines continued to be sold by
Victor dealers well into 1929. The original selling price of the 4-40 was $165.00, which equates to approximately $3,200.00
in today's money.
An estimated total of 97,000 Victrola
4-40's
were produced, based on the serial numbers of surviving examples.
Electric-motor versions (VE 4-40) were available for $35.00 extra. Serialization
of these electric models started at 12800. An estimated total of 12,200 electrically powered VE 4-40's were made
which is a considerably higher figure (based on serial numbers of surviving
examples) than factory production records indicate.
| Manufacture Date | Serial Number Range | Feature Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 80000-138000 | Serialization of the VV 4-40 started at 80000 |
| 1928 | 138000-177000 | |
| VE 4-40 Electric | ||
| 1927 | 12800-20000 | Serialization of the VE 4-40 started at 12800 |
| 1928 | 20001-25000 | |
The current collector database shows the earliest existent VV 4-40 to be S/N 80058 and the latest to be S/N 176659. The earliest existent VE 4-40 (electric) is S/N 12832 and the latest is S/N 24799.
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