WANTED: location of edison operas for sale

[krkey1]

I am always trying to keep track of these machines as I want to own one one day. All help is appreciated.

[cleveland1996]

You can keep eBay and our forum watched and you will find Operas for sale in varying conditions. One forum member/website to keep watched is Musical Tresures of Miami. Raphael's machines may seem a little more expensive, but they are always extremely nice and cared for machines...definitely check him out...You can never have too many reference points....

Joe

[HisMastersVoice]

Raphael has several Operas for sale, both oak and mahogany: http://www.musicaltreasuresofmiami.com/6d-edison.html

[barnettrp21122]

When you really want something, and want it sooner rather than later, you'll almost always end up paying more than if you wait a bit and gain some knowledge of current prices. Operas are common enough at major phono shows, and noted auction houses like Stanton's usually have them too. Nothing beats inspecting a machine in person with an experienced collector at your side providing advice.
Just like any major purchase (like a car) other examples will pop up after you've bought yours, and you'll be either pleased or chagrinned comparing price and condition with what you own-speaking from personal experience!
Bob

[HisMastersVoice]

you'll be either pleased or chagrinned comparing price and condition with what you own-speaking from personal experience!

Very true. From my personal experience, it's more disappointing finding a better example after the fact than finding a cheaper one.

[Raphael]

Thanks, Joe & Brandon, for the references to my website. In fact, I just picked up two nice Operas this past weekend in Orlando.

Interesting side topic here, about "experienced collectors" offering guidance to newbies. I have no objection to that, and quite often seek help myself, as my own knowledge of the phonographs (and music boxes, clocks, etc. that I buy and sell) is quite limited on a technical basis. But keep in mind that seeking such advice will invariably invite discussion of the negative aspects, not the positives. After all, the expert has to show how smart he is, and in many cases will be more focused on arcane details and not the overall appearance and functionality.

A case in point, and there is a thread on the Forum about this particular case: I sold a Victor VI to a collector and after receiving it, he raised holy hell with me. It turned out a neighbor "expert collector" looked at it and flat-out stated that it was a Peruvian reproduction. I ended up tracking down the previous owner, who gave me the names of the restorers, etc., and I also contacted Eduardo in Peru who absolutely denied having made the cabinet (he does not reproduce that particular variant). The buyer ultimately apologized to me, and posted kind words on the Forum. And made several subsequent, large purchases!

BUT, what works for me, and guides my philosophy, is that when buying, the item in question must put a smile on my face, that is the ultimate test that's worked for me. And I always advise my customers, especially first-time buyers, that bargains are not worth a damn if you bring home an item and can't be proud of it and display it prominently in your home.

Lastly, my policy is to offer a full money-back guarantee (including shipping costs) to any buyer. That gives the buyer a chance to live with it in his home and see if it makes his wife smile too!

Raphael

[VintageTechnologies]

Lastly, my policy is to offer a full money-back guarantee (including shipping costs) to any buyer. That gives the buyer a chance to live with it in his home and see if it makes his wife smile too!

Raphael

That kind of assurance is worth a premium!

[doctor t]

Sounds awesome. You rock. Do you have a beautiful Edison concert player, by any chance?

Tod

[stevel]

If you're quick there is this project on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141558077254

Steve

[Raphael]

I just posted this on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/EDISON-OPERA-OA ... RK:MESE:IT



If any Forum member wants it, I can do $5500 on a direct sale, plus shipping costs.

Raphael