Edison Home with odd oxidized finish mandrel

[Andersun]

As HMV mentioned, the mandrel looks like that of an Opera, but I don't believe the mainshafts were the same size as on a Home (I could get off my butt and run upstairs to look, but we're out the door for dinner! ). The Ideal/Idelia, Amberola 1A/B, and some Amberola IIIs used these oxidized mandrels too.

George P.

Did the Opera ever come with oxidised mandrel? I thought the only machine that came with that was most Amberola 1As. Even some of them were gun metal.

The Opera, Idealia, Amberola 1A, and Amberola 1B all had oxidized mandrels.

[Valecnik]

As HMV mentioned, the mandrel looks like that of an Opera, but I don't believe the mainshafts were the same size as on a Home (I could get off my butt and run upstairs to look, but we're out the door for dinner! ). The Ideal/Idelia, Amberola 1A/B, and some Amberola IIIs used these oxidized mandrels too.

George P.

Did the Opera ever come with oxidised mandrel? I thought the only machine that came with that was most Amberola 1As. Even some of them were gun metal.

The Opera, Idealia, Amberola 1A, and Amberola 1B all had oxidized mandrels.

Of course, forgot about the Idelia. They always, except for the last model, had the oxidised mandrel. Are you sure about the Opera though?

[Victrolacollector]

I have in for repair an Edison Home model A serial number 66193.
It has a 2/4 upgrade on it and the mandrel was a real surprise. I don't know why it looks like this, but I wonder if it is another case of Edison using up old parts, etc.

On another note, is there a good way to replace those rubber bedplate cushions between the upper and lower portions of the bedplate? I usually use some round rubber washers, but I wonder if anyone has a better idea? I have no idea what originals looked like as everyone of these I have found has been in poor shape.

And George, can you give me a born on date for this machine? The owner says it has been in the family for three generations. She is not sure if it was purchased new or not.

Jahn Mader, do you recognize this? You have seen it before!
Thanks, Dave D

I certainly do recognize it. A nice older lady brought it into my old shop in Indiana about four years ago and I told her that it was an aberration and attempted to explain why. She insisted that no one had ever messed with it in it's history and I tried to politely explain that simply couldn't be true, but she wasn't having it. I hope you backed me up on my explanation! lol

This may have been the same lady from Indiana that called me about 3 or 4 years ago, and she tried to sell it to me for 10,000.00. She mentioned people told her it could not be repaired and that it was rare and never touched. She said it was in her family.

[JohnM]

I probably spent a solid hour with her attempting to explain just what she had, but I could sense her tightening up about it. If that is indeed the same lady, I can assure you I did nothing to amp her up to such a lofty valuation. I suggested that she send it to someone who might swap mandrels and take the oxidized mandrel in payment for getting the machine in running condition again.

[Andersun]

Are you sure about the Opera though?

You bring up a good question.....

An original 1911 catalog states the following concerning the Opera and Amberola:


Opera
Finish - Maroon enamel with gilt decorations, movable mandrel, gun metal plated and polished.

Amberola Mahogany (picture shows a 1B)

Finish of Mechanism and Parts - Dark red and gilt enamel and oxidized bronze, or gun metal with oak cabinets.
Mandrel - Oxidized bronze, highly polished, firmly supported to ensure steady and uniform reproduction. Will play only Amberol Records.

[TinfoilPhono]

FWIW, I have Opera serial #10, which is in 100% original condition. The mandrel is gun-metal, worn to nickel in a few spots. It was clearly never oxidized although the original L reproducer is.

I seem to recall that the Opera I owned many years ago did have an oxidized mandrel, but I can't find a photo offhand. It could be that they changed from gunmetal to oxidized at some point during production.

[Dave D]

I probably spent a solid hour with her attempting to explain just what she had, but I could sense her tightening up about it. If that is indeed the same lady, I can assure you I did nothing to amp her up to such a lofty valuation. I suggested that she send it to someone who might swap mandrels and take the oxidized mandrel in payment for getting the machine in running condition again.

She gave me the impression that the family is quite proud to own this and plans to keep it. As for me, I would rather have the cash for doing the repair. It cleaned up nicely and I am sure it will be a good runing machine when I am done.
Dave