Tinfoilphono Posted January 4, 2021 Author Posted January 4, 2021 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 Posted January 6, 2021 Author Posted January 6, 2021 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 Posted January 8, 2021 Author Posted January 8, 2021 The most recent update brings the highest known serial number (Concert) to 4675.
JimN Posted January 12, 2021 Posted January 12, 2021 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 Posted January 16, 2021 Author Posted January 16, 2021 Thanks to Terry Baer, the list has now been increased by 10% -- about 330 numbers recorded to date. Edison Opera Database
MWW Posted January 28, 2021 Posted January 28, 2021 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 Posted January 28, 2021 Author Posted January 28, 2021 Such an early example! It's great that it's been in the family so long. Thanks for posting.
billfeiner Posted January 28, 2021 Posted January 28, 2021 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
RodPickett Posted April 18, 2021 Posted April 18, 2021 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 Posted June 6, 2021 Posted June 6, 2021 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 Posted June 6, 2021 Author Posted June 6, 2021 That's a great machine that is even more special for its provenance. Thanks for posting!
Krkey1 Posted June 8, 2021 Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) 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
Deram Posted July 12, 2021 Posted July 12, 2021 hello. am the owner in London of the Oak Opera sn 564 here's the baseplate...
Tinfoilphono Posted July 12, 2021 Author Posted July 12, 2021 Thanks for posting. That's the lowest number reported to date for an oak Opera. All earlier ones in the database are mahogany.
Tinfoilphono Posted December 3, 2021 Author Posted December 3, 2021 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 Posted April 10, 2022 Posted April 10, 2022 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 Posted April 11, 2022 Author Posted April 11, 2022 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 Posted April 11, 2022 Posted April 11, 2022 (edited) 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 1
Valecnik Posted April 23, 2022 Posted April 23, 2022 (edited) No. 1711 originally sold by "Jake Graham for Grammophones, Liverpool, England according to the dealer tag. Edited April 23, 2022 by Valecnik Added text 1
Valecnik Posted April 23, 2022 Posted April 23, 2022 (edited) I guess April was "Opera month" for both of us Bob! 🙂 Edited April 23, 2022 by Valecnik added text 1
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now