Walnut Finishes

---

American Walnut

 

Victrolas were produced in two different walnut finishes. On higher priced machines, walnut was an extra-cost option, and very high quality, figured veneers were used; some were spectacular in contrast and color.  Walnut can be identified from mahogany by a lack of a linear (straight) parallel grain pattern. This wood often has a characteristic "blurred-swirl" grain pattern with soft contrasts (left). Some walnut grains (depending on cut of the veneer) can appear "choppy" (right), while walnut veneers on lower-priced models lack a strong grain contrast altogether (below). Note that, on all examples, the strong parallel grain lines that are common with mahogany are not present. After 1918, American Walnut was available at no extra cost on the less expensive models, however the veneer quality was much lower than used on the flagship machines.

Circassian Walnut

Circassian Walnut was available as an extra-cost option on many of the more costly floor model Victrolas, typically for an extra $50 above the standard price. This wood has a very distinctive and strong banded grain contrast, with a most striking appearance. This finish is highly sought after by collectors. Some models with the Circassian veneer that are in excellent original condition have sold for well over $10,000 at auction. This wood was imported from Russia. During World War 1, shipping wood from Europe became impossible due to wartime conditions and U-Boat activity in the Atlantic, and the American Walnut option become far more common. Once the war was over, the Circassian veneer never regained the popularity it experienced in the 1910-1914 period.