The "Victor the Second" was designed for those people who could afford a slightly nicer machine than the Vic I. Although in the later years the instruments appeared to be quite similar in design, the "Second" was about 1-1/2" deeper and wider than "the First". The very first Victor II's were built with the rigid (non-tapering) tone arm, but by 1904 the tapering arm had been substituted and this instrument was dubbed the "improved Victor II" (a subsequent price increase to $32.50 confirmed the improved status).

The cabinet was constructed of quartersawed oak and housed a single spring motor. The 10-inch turntable and "Exhibition" sound box were nickel-plated. Without knowing the specific age of the machine, it can be dated between 1904 and 1910. This is indicated by the appearance of corner columns on the case. These corner columns were deleted from the case in April, 1909. The oak spear tip horn was available at an extra price starting in 1909.

The stenciling on the back bracket is completely original as is the nickel plating on all metal parts. The reproduction parts on this machine are the horn elbow, the horn clip/screw, the escutcheon, and crank. Everything else is original. This Victor II is known as the humpback style. As can be seen in one of the pictures, the backside of the machine has a hump where the back bracket attaches too. It's assumed that this style cabinet allowed for a longer arm as well as a larger horn. These two items would allow for better sound reproduction.

The only thing noticeable about this machine is that the decal on the horn is upside-down. My only guess about this is because someone may have repaired the metal piece at the end of the horn and they put it on upside-down. There may be a chance the decal was put upside-down when it was sold but it's hard to say.

This fine phonograph and it's historical information were gladly provided by the Victrola Repair Service, Why. I'm glad you asked. This incredible audio rendition is currently available for sale by Victrola Repair Service and has undergone a "tune-up". That's why you can be assured of not only one of the finest machines, but as one of the finest working machines to boot, so who wants to own it? Me!