I Just Found an Edison Opera Locally

[JohnM]

The 'Opera' was introduced in November 1911 in mahogany. In February 1912, an oak version was introduced. The oak version did not have side handles. Both models sold for $90 and were originally fitted with sapphire L reproducers. In October 1912, the name was changed to 'Concert' because of a lawsuit by the US Phonograph Company of Cleveland, Ohio who were already using the name 'Opera'. At that time, Diamond A reproducers replaced the L because of the introduction of Blue Amberols. The 'Concert' was dropped from the catalog in late 1913 and sales ended sometime in 1914 when stock was depleted.

[VintageTechnologies]

Can anyone out there let me know what an Opera sold for new?
What would that be in today's dollars?
Were there different versions or models of the Opera?
Different finishes?

I believe the Opera sold new for $100 (five double-eagle gold pieces). If 1 oz. gold pieces sell currently for $1,400 each, then the total comes to $7,000. That's one way to reckon the ravages of inflation. The dollar is no longer "good as gold".

There were three models of the Opera: oak cabinet, maghogany cabinet, and the much rarer black metal schoolhouse model.

The later Operas were branded as Edison "Concert" phonographs, due to a copyright conflict with the US Phonograph Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

[JohnM]

Can anyone out there let me know what an Opera sold for new?
What would that be in today's dollars?
Were there different versions or models of the Opera?
Different finishes?

I believe the Opera sold new for $100 (five double-eagle gold pieces). If 1 oz. gold pieces sell currently for $1,400 each, then the total comes to $7,000. That's one way to reckon the ravages of inflation. The dollar is no longer "good as gold".

There were three models of the Opera: oak cabinet, maghogany cabinet, and the much rarer black metal schoolhouse model.

The later Operas were branded as Edison "Concert" phonographs, due to a copyright conflict with the US Phonograph Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

Again, an 'Opera' was $90 new. According to the on-line inflation calculator, that would be $2184.47 in 2012 dollars.

[TinfoilPhono]

According to Frow's book, the oak version was $85:

In February 1912 (U.S.) and April 1912 (U.K.) the OPERA could be bought in an oak cabinet with oak Music Master horn, price $85.00; £17 17s. 0d.

[Le0]

you want to keep it or sell it?
I saw an auction on Ebay with the exact same machine yesterday.

[OrthoSean]

Rumor has it, the one on eBay is the same machine.

Sean

[gemering]

Yes, The machine on ebay is the same one that I found and purchased at a fair price (for both me and the seller) close to home.
I would love to have been able to keep it, but my wife and I could not afford to.
Owning an Opera would be a dream come true.
Unfortunately several major life events over the past eight years have put an end to my ability to generate extra income for collecting.
Eight years ago my eldest daughter (then 13, now 21) became critically ill with a central nervous system disorder that has caused her to need care 24 hours a day.
She can no longer speak, or do simple tasks. Since my wife is the primary care- giver for my daughter, she can not hold a job that provides income.
We have exhausted our savings trying to find medical help for my daughter.
I've sold most of my collection in an effort to help provide income to help my family.
Yes, as someone who's passionate about phonographs, its tough to see the machines go, but it is what any father would do for his family.
To top it off, I was downsized two years ago and took a 25% cut in pay and this year my wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor that required five hours of delicate surgery and months of recuperation.
I am not complaining. There are many people worse off than we are.
We still count our Blessings on both hands every day and have great faith in a God that is merciful and loving.
I am simply explaining why someone who is passionate about phonographs would sell a "dream come true" machine.
Thanks for listening.
Gene

[briankeith]

Gene, I am close by - Blairstown. You know that. If you need ANYTHING such as lawn cutting or minor home (or car) repairs please do not hesitate to call me. I never ask for money. I am old school and believe in helping thy neighbors in their time of need. I've been down this road before, well sorta. My wife passed away from breast cancer in 2000 at age 42, and I sold every talking machine and tube radio in my collection to pay medical bills that were left over, plus my mortgage, taxes, every other bill. I learned the art of preparing gormet PP & J sandwiches for over two years. I can really feel your pain my friend. I starting collecting again in 2007 and now I am out of control with this darn hobby! I still say the lords prayer every day even if it not politically correct to some people any more

[gemering]

Hey Brian,
Thanks for you support and kind offer to help.
I feel sheepish discusing my personal problems on the forum, but want everyone to know that I'm not a greedy guy who's only interested in money over phonographs.
I never wanted to make a penny on this hobby and never wanted to have to sell machines. Letting them go to help out the family has been a humbling experience, but also a valuable lesson in placing your children over material possessions.
We are managing ok and as I said, really do count our blessings on both hands each day.
When I purchased the Opera, I spent $3 dollars in change on lottery tickets in an effort to keep her.
Unfortunately they were not winning tickets.

[Tinkerbell]

Hey Brian,
Thanks for you support and kind offer to help.
I feel sheepish discusing my personal problems on the forum, but want everyone to know that I'm not a greedy guy who's only interested in money over phonographs.
I never wanted to make a penny on this hobby and never wanted to have to sell machines. Letting them go to help out the family has been a humbling experience, but also a valuable lesson in placing your children over material possessions.
We are managing ok and as I said, really do count our blessings on both hands each day.
When I purchased the Opera, I spent $3 dollars in change on lottery tickets in an effort to keep her.
Unfortunately they were not winning tickets.

I just wanted to say that I am sorry; I understand on a personal level the toll a physical illness can take on a family physically, emotionally and financially.

There aren't any words adequate that can make a whit of difference in terms of changing life's circumstances (or unseen curve balls), but I did want you to know that some of us do understand, care, and can empathize with what you may be going through.