The grille is steel and was originally nickel plated. The cabinet of the machine is also smaller (along the lines of the early Vic I) than the later versions with the oak slats. Many folks simply gut these and steal the motors, cranks and other hardware for early Victor Talking Machines. If anything could be said to be "rare" it would not be merely finding one because they do surface every once in a while, but finding one with the original nickel plating on the grille. I've seen several original machines of this variety and I keep one in my collection, but have not seen one that even comes close to something I would say has decent nickel plating. Does ANYONE own an original with the good plating? Walt Sommers Gettysburg Antique Phonographs www.VictrolaGuy.com -----Original Message----- From: phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of estott Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 10:10 PM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Dual purpose victrola. That is how it was made, although didn't the grille have a painted or wood grained finish when new? Eric Stott ----- Original Message ----- From: "tom jordan" <tomj33 at msn.com> To: "'Antique Phonograph List'" <phono-l at oldcrank.org> Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 9:53 PM Subject: [Phono-L] Dual purpose victrola. Check out this dual purpose Victrola. It plays music and doubles as a cold air return for your home's heating system :0) http://cgi.ebay.com/Victor-Victrola-VV-IV-Phonograph-w-Metal-Grill-1673_W0QQ itemZ170122607698QQihZ007QQcategoryZ38030QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.8/869 - Release Date: 6/25/2007 5:32 PM