Edison Opera serial number database

[Tinfoilphono]

12 minutes ago, phonogfp said:

I suppose the obvious answer is that there was a large inventory of School machines that remained unsold.

 

I consider that highly probable, given that Edison was compelled to discount remaining machines to clear out inventory, announced to the trade in November 1913 and published in Edison Phonograph Monthly in January 1914.

 

 

Clearly, despite some mahogany Operas in the block of ~200 School Phonographs, that was a large production run. Sales didn't quite live up to expectations.

 

[Tinfoilphono]

A few more numbers have been added to the list. The seeming outlier, 4180, has now been confirmed as being labeled "Concert," so that block is solid.

[Tinfoilphono]

The most recent update brings the highest known serial number (Concert) to 4675.

[JimN]

On 1/4/2021 at 3:25 PM, Tinfoilphono said:

Is that a spruce horn? Very striking!

It sure looks like a spruce horn. The way to tell for sure is a close-up photo of the grain, which has narrow parallel grooves. I'll attach pics of the spruce horn from the Idelia I used to own. You can see the same grain on the outside of the horn, because the mahogany finish stain is applied to the solid spruce horn. - Jim Nichol

 

[Tinfoilphono]

Thanks to Terry Baer, the list has now been increased by 10% -- about 330 numbers recorded to date.

 

Edison Opera Database

 

 

[MWW]

Hi, I’m new here and just came across this thread. My Opera has been in my family since the 1920’s. It’s Mahogany serial number 116. 

[Tinfoilphono]

Such an early example! It's great that it's been in the family so long. Thanks for posting.

[billfeiner]

I just saw this , I do not get on here as often as I would like. My Opera is Mahogany, marked as an Opera, serial # 646. Thanks, Bill Feiner

[Tinfoilphono]

Thanks!

[RodPickett]

Thanks Bill.  All data are current.

[RodPickett]

The file name of this database has been changed on our server for consistency.

 

You may use the following link to access the report, containing updates as of 15 April 2021.

 

Edison Opera Database

[SteveT]

Wanted to share that I have an Edison Opera, Serial # 180, purchased new by my great-grandparents. It is mahogany and has always been special to me. It needs repair now as the cylinder does not advance properly.         --  Steve Tribble

[Tinfoilphono]

That's a great machine that is even more special for its provenance. Thanks for posting!

[Krkey1]

I got one to add

 

Mahogany Opera 2834

 

Thanks

 

Krkey1

I see my machine was already added. Not sure if I sent you the info or not. I am getting old ?

Edited June 8, 2021 by Krkey1
error

[Barry]

SM Model A

SN 224

OPERA

Mahogany.

[Tinfoilphono]

Thanks for posting.

[Deram]

hello.   am the owner in London of the Oak Opera sn 564      here's the baseplate...   

[Tinfoilphono]

Thanks for posting. That's the lowest number reported to date for an oak Opera. All earlier ones in the database are mahogany.

[Tinfoilphono]

Here is an updated link to the Opera database, which is now up to 348 examples:

 

https://www.antiquephono.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/Edison_Opera_Database.pdf

[PatheLogical]

Here's a fresh example from a recent estate find:

   Serial number 1554

   Mahogany

   The metal finish on the mandrel is a very dark grey, glossy metallic (definitely not ordinary, bright nickel plating).

 

[Tinfoilphono]

Thanks for that addition. 

 

Early Operas had a gunmetal-finish mandrel but I don't know at what point that changed. Now I realize I should have been asking! 

[PatheLogical]

1 hour ago, Tinfoilphono said:

Thanks for that addition. 

 

Early Operas had a gunmetal-finish mandrel but I don't know at what point that changed. Now I realize I should have been asking! 

Glad to finally be able to contribute to this database Rene! I've certainly seen many Operas before in passing, but I didn't remember seeing one with a gunmetal-finish mandrel and it threw me for a loop at first. I thought it was worth mentioning, as several knowledgeable collectors told me this particular mandrel was likely not original to the machine or the original black and copper finish had worn off. 

 

Perhaps others reading this will report or add similar details/variations to their own contributions to this project.

Edited April 11, 2022 by PatheLogical

[RodPickett]

Database updates applied.

[Valecnik]

No. 1711 originally sold by "Jake Graham for Grammophones, Liverpool, England according to the dealer tag. 

Edited April 23, 2022 by Valecnik
Added text

[Valecnik]

I guess April was "Opera month" for both of us Bob!  🙂

 

Edited April 23, 2022 by Valecnik
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