The Victor-Victrola Page 
Appraisal Services
In conjunction with noted phonograph author and expert Robert Baumbach, I am now providing premium appraisal services for Victor and Victrola products. There are currently several commercial services who will provide written phonograph appraisals for a fee, and some private collectors will give free on-line "estimates" regarding the value of a particular phonograph. Our appraisal service is not in competition with these other resources for reasons explained below.
This website was originally established as a service to collectors and hobbyists, and that remains its primary intent; it has essentially been a long-standing negative cash-flow project. The increasing amount of traffic to this site has resulted in a growing wave of requests for appraisals, detailed assistance and technical information, which far exceeds my available time to answer. Thus, I do not respond to email requests for free appraisals. At present, I am getting upwards of 80 emails per day, many requesting free appraisals. In addition, while I have attempted to provide as much specific information as possible on the site; it would be quite impossible to summarize the entire extent of my database information, factory catalogs, and knowledge-base to cover all possibilities. Therefore, as a service to hobbyists and collectors, Mr. Baumbach and I are now offering online appraisals for Victor and Victrola products. It is our expectation that only a small fraction of site visitors will actually pay for an appraisal, which is a perfectly acceptable situation, as we could not support a huge influx of requests. However, for those who desire a comprehensive appraisal for a fee, it is our position that your appraisal should be as accurate and complete as possible.
Some commercial services rely on appraisals as a lead for bringing in restoration or repair work, and may inflate the appraised value somewhat to encourage you to purchase their restoration services (if it seems valuable, it might be worth the cost of restoration). Others, mostly "freebie" appraisal sites, are private collectors searching for rare machines, and are consequently not going to be very interested in giving you an accurate appraisal on a common Victrola. If you have a rare one, they will be ready to cut you an offer right away...and you can be sure that their "appraisal" will reflect their wants. Virtually all other appraisal sites are relatively broad-based regarding antiques, and may attempt to cover all vintages of antique music machines, pianos and other instruments, meaning they probably don't have the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on Victor products.
We will provide you with current valuation and information on the production date, rarity, and information on surviving examples with similar serial numbers (see our "Sample Appraisal" for an example. This information far exceeds what is normally provided with a "typical" online appraisal.
There is often a great deal of variance in the value of a particular model Victrola. For example, the most common Victrola model, the VV-XI, sells in the range of $150-$200 at most auctions in average "attic-stored" condition with a mahogany finish. However, I recently witnessed a beautiful original early production floor model VV-XI in Golden Polished Oak sell for well over $800 at auction. That's quite a variance above the average, and Oak isn't that rare! The price was driven by its superb condition and an especially elegant figured veneer. Truly rare finishes would command a much higher price. Condition, finish, rarity, and originality all are critical factors in determining value. Anyone who sends you an "appraisal" for a phonograph solely based on a brief written description can't provide any kind of meaningful estimate of true market value.
Our appraisal service is straightforward and unique:
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Mr. Baumbach and myself have many years experience in collecting and researching information on Victor products. We are both well known in the hobby. Each appraisal is reviewed and approved by both of us prior to completion. The appraisal you get is our agreed consensus on the value of your phonograph.
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We appraise Victor and Victrola products only.
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We provide much additional information, including date of manufacture, features and production information. See our Sample Appraisal form.
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We attend most phonograph auctions, shows, and monitor EBay sales regularly, so we have a good knowledge of current market conditions for all models
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The Victor database contains information on more than 68,000 surviving Victors and Victrolas, including serial numbers and feature listings of machines currently in existence. This database grows by approximately 4,000 machines per year, providing great detail on designs and survival rates
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By policy, we will never solicit to purchase a phonograph from someone who has requested an appraisal. This can result in a conflict of interest in the appraisal process.
Click here for a typical Sample Appraisal
PLEASE NOTE: All appraisals require the submission of an "Appraisal Request Form" (click to access the form) via email or surface mail and inclusion of at least 4-5 good quality photos, including:
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One clear image of the metal dataplate
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An overall view of the machine
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A view giving an idea of the condition of the finish
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One view of the turntable and tonearm/soundbox.
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If present, a photograph of the license sticker (usually located on the back, inside the doors, or underneath the phonograph.
WE CANNOT PROVIDE APPRAISALS WITHOUT HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHS.
Photographs can be emailed directly to: victor-victrola@comcast.net
Cost for an appraisal is $19.95, payable by mailing a check or money order to:
Paul C. Edie
PMB #435
55 E. Long Lake Road
Troy, Michigan 48085-4738
We now accept PAYPAL Payments by simply clicking on "Buy Now" below. Using this link, you can also pay by credit card.
Be sure to complete and send the Appraisal Request Form before paying.
Click below to initiate Paypal Payment
Please allow 2-3 weeks for a return-mail response. If sending payment by surface mail, please email me at victor-victrola@comcast.net with your name and phonograph's model and serial number at the time your appraisal payment is sent to expedite processing. Thank you!