the treasure
Victor Victrola Cabinet Scarf
the story
My grandparents had an electronics and appliance store, Novak’s Delight Shop, on the south side of Chicago from the 1920s to the 1950s. They raised five children and hosted their families, including nine grandchildren, for the holidays in the three-bedroom flat above it. I own many goodies from that store, and one is an RCA Victrola topped by what I call a cabinet scarf. I know about the Victrola, but I have always wondered just what the scarf is and if it has any value. It is a tapestry backed by a light brown velvet. I would love to know just what it is and how it was used originally—and if it was common for people to have these in their homes.
what the professionals say
Perhaps the most well-known name in early American music, the Victor Victrola company made gramophones and ‘talking machines.’ Their tabletop or cabinet machines (along with Nipper, the dog in the company logo) are staples of music collectors. This cabinet scarf, as the owners call it, came with some select cabinet units from Victor Records.
value
These items are sought after by many music history collectors or those interested in having a complete Victor Victrola cabinet machine. The value of this type of piece is assessed by looking at two things: condition and color vibrancy. This scarf has above-average vibrancy, but does show some minor wear at the edges. At a retail establishment or auction, collectors can expect to pay $300 to $500.
This month’s expert | Deb Williams of Charterhouse
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