Crispy Edison Opera for Sale on Ebay, #874

[KCW]

Here’s a very low serial number Opera for sale on eBay. It needs some work but I think it’s actually a decent deal if you’re willing to out some work into it. The reproducers need to be rebuilt, but it looks like there are two of them, which is interesting. I’ve already got one, but this would be a great project piece.

Here is the listing:

THOMAS EDISON OPERA CYLINDER PLAYER PHONOGRAPH MODEL A NON-WORKING PROJECT

For sale this vintage Thomas Edison Opera Cylinder Player Phonograph, for sale as a non-working project AS IS. Model A , Type SM, Serial 874. For sale as pictured, no other parts or accessories are included.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195438388813?_ ... %7Ciid%3A1

The phonograph mechanism spin but there are several issues like the wear on the gear of the worm screw (picture 8), also the reproducers are not complete and one is damaged and several parts, like the horn, winding handle are missing. Cosmetically in fair condition, the wooden case shows marks and scratches and the top paint is almost completely gone. Please check the video and all pictures using a large monitor or the eBay enlarger tool, for details, and to make your own evaluation.

Weight 38 lb.

[JerryVan]

Also, no lid...

[KCW]

And still… if I didn’t have one and I was up for a project this would be it for me. For me the biggest downside is not crank. That wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me though. Alas I have a beautiful Opera and that’s all I need. I hope someone gets it and brings it back to life!

[Raphael]

What a project, indeed. In recent times I have paid to have the following done by professionals:

Rebuild two reproducers: $500 and up
New lid: $800 (Don Gfell)
New horn: $1,200
Refinish bedplate: $600 (hard to find anybody to do this any longer)
Repair mechanism: $300 - $1,000
Refinish case, lid, elbow and horn: $750 and up
New crank: $200

So, that’s over $4,000 in addition to the original cost of this Opera.

Of course, if you can do the work yourself, there are savings to be had.

Raphael

[JerryVan]

I would clean it up, replace what's missing, fix what's broken, and play it! I don't mind the look of age. The missing lid would bother me the most. Since I wouldn't want to refinish the cabinet, finding a lid with "matching" finish and wear would be a problem. All hypothetical however, since I already have an Opera. (But I do like this one...)

[Raphael]

I would clean it up, replace what's missing, fix what's broken, and play it! I don't mind the look of age. The missing lid would bother me the most. Since I wouldn't want to refinish the cabinet, finding a lid with "matching" finish and wear would be a problem. All hypothetical however, since I already have an Opera. (But I do like this one...)

That’s fine, but for others who might have other ideas, a summary of the various expenses might be helpful.

We all have different standards and expectations.

Raphael

[JerryVan]

I would clean it up, replace what's missing, fix what's broken, and play it! I don't mind the look of age. The missing lid would bother me the most. Since I wouldn't want to refinish the cabinet, finding a lid with "matching" finish and wear would be a problem. All hypothetical however, since I already have an Opera. (But I do like this one...)

That’s fine, but for others who might have other ideas, a summary of the various expenses might be helpful.

We all have different standards and expectations.

Raphael

Naturally. No criticism of your restoration estimate or anyone else's standards was intended.

[KCW]

Both points are very well taken! For 2000$ plus 4k in possible repairs you could get a very nice Opera already done and in great condition. I’ve often admired Raphael’s Operas he has had for sale. They function perfectly and are flawless. The videos he posts of them playing show how a Opera should sound and appear. I do like the idea of getting this one functioning and playing in as is condition as well. A few years back I bought a toasted Standard and had it redone just for the sake of bringing it back to life. The project was so fun!

For a while I kept my Opera unrestored, but ultimately restored the elbow because it bothered me how terrible it looked. It’s a win win either way. I really hope someone brings this machine machine to life in one form or another!

[Garret]

Is this the Opera that was for sale in Nebraska a few months ago?

[Raphael]

Both points are very well taken! For 2000$ plus 4k in possible repairs you could get a very nice Opera already done and in great condition. I’ve often admired Raphael’s Operas he has had for sale. They function perfectly and are flawless. The videos he posts of them playing show how a Opera should sound and appear. I do like the idea of getting this one functioning and playing in as is condition as well. A few years back I bought a toasted Standard and had it redone just for the sake of bringing it back to life. The project was so fun!

For a while I kept my Opera unrestored, but ultimately restored the elbow because it bothered me how terrible it looked. It’s a win win either way. I really hope someone brings this machine machine to life in one form or another!

Thank you for the kind words. Interestingly enough, I sold a beautiful Opera several months ago, one with a very low serial number and playing perfectly. When the buyer received it, the brake shoe had gone out of adjustment in transit and I tried to explain to the buyer how to correct the issue. He refused to touch it. So then I offered to have an experienced professional do a service call at his house. He refused that as well, saying "I don't let strangers into my house". I also offered him the option of taking the Opera to the pro, who lived 20 minutes away. "Too busy" was his response. Months went by, and then while I was away in Europe, the Opera showed up at my doorstep. It took me all of 30 seconds to do the adjustment after I unpacked it. That buyer may get the prize for most difficult customer ever.

My point in all of this is that everybody has different values and expectations.

Raphael