The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Jerry B. wrote:If my memory is correct , isn't the crank hole for an Opera (Concert) in a different spot than the late Triumph? Jerry

I didn't even think about the crank line up. maybe someone will look at the pics I posted and let me know?

There's really several differences between a Opera case and a late Triumph F & G case. Other than the hole in the lid you already mentioned, the motor board is different and a Opera lid does not use lid latches where as a Triumph does. The crank hole on a Opera is very high on the case compared to the Triumph crank hole. And also the Opera has case handles and the Triumph does not. Probably the easiest way to complete the Triumph F would be to use a model D or E case and than always be on the lookout for the later F case.
Best Regards, Larry

I thought it had been established by the serial number that a D or E cabinet was historically accurate for this particular machine anyway.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:I thought it had been established by the serial number that a D or E cabinet was historically accurate for this particular machine anyway.

George P.

I think you are right George. Btw there were three at Union this past June. If I recall correctly two were in the later case and one in the D/E style.

I should be looking for a D case then, right?

Phonolair wrote:There's really several differences between a Opera case and a late Triumph F & G case. Other than the hole in the lid you already mentioned, the motor board is different and a Opera lid does not use lid latches where as a Triumph does. The crank hole on a Opera is very high on the case compared to the Triumph crank hole. And also the Opera has case handles and the Triumph does not. Probably the easiest way to complete the Triumph F would be to use a model D or E case and than always be on the lookout for the later F case.
Best Regards, Larry

Hi Larry, Only the mahogany Edison Opera was equipped with the decorative cabinet side handles and without the lid latches. The oak Edison Opera cabinet did not have the decorative handles and all of the examples I have seen have had the lid lock latches although perhaps you were referring to the oak Opera lid not using the latches(?). My observations are based on a number of completely original oak Edison Operas I have seen. I've never understood why the oak Edison Opera cabinet and lid was not adorned/equipped exactly like the mahogany Edison Opera cabinet and lid. I certainly stand corrected if you have seen original examples of the oak Edison Opera with decorative side handles and without the lid latches but I have never seen a single one without latches and with the handles. For a long time I have been looking for a decent oak Opera to keep company with my mahogany Opera. In spite of the more plain looking cabinet on the oak Opera I just love the interesting grain of the wood - especially on the horn.

Kind Regards,
Doug

[quote="FellowCollector"[/quote]

Hi Larry, Only the mahogany Edison Opera was equipped with the decorative cabinet side handles and without the lid latches.
Kind Regards,
Doug[/quote]

Doug you are right, I had totally forgot the mahogany Opera is different from the oak Opera . Like you I have looked at many Opera's in oak and wondered why the change for oak. Thanks for jogging my memory, I hope this isn't the start of me forgetting more than I know

Best Regards, Larry