Edison Opera

[Valecnik]

oak always commands a premium over mahogany.

I'm amazed that you have found this to be true, Raphael. Please accept that I'm not doubting your comment since you've seen many more Edison Operas change hands than I. But it would certainly be counter-intuitive with all aspects considered and in equality (originality, condition, function) that an oak Edison Opera with its relatively plain cabinet with oak horn would command a premium price relative to the Edison Opera in mahogany with a more ornate cabinet with decorative handles and harder to find mahogany horn. The oak Edison Opera may be slightly more difficult to find than the mahogany Opera but I can't see that driving the premium price. I'm presuming the reason for the oak Operas surfacing slightly less versus the mahogany Opera was that contemporary customers preferred the more ornate mahogany Opera for their buying dollar. I have two Edison Operas in mahogany and, like Brandon, I may be a bit biased toward the mahogany Opera. But personally, I would have a difficult time paying more for an oak Opera (and I'm casually looking for one) versus a mahogany Opera in like condition but that's just me.

Doug

All other things being equal, I'd have to agree with Raphael. Oak is going to bring more than mahogany. It's the same with the big Amberolas and other big machines in my experience.

[Valecnik]

4-10k depending on originality, condition, which reproducer(s) it has, etc. Mahogany usually sells for more than oak. A very nice, all original Mahogany example in excellent working order with both A and L reproducers that have been rebuilt and original Music Master horn also in good shape with no splitting and original paint on the elbow would fetch closer to the 10k range.

I like your wide range Brandon, 4-10k. It's all dependent on condition. Mediocre condition or poorly restored, lots of repro parts bring the value way down. Regarding oak vs. mahogany, see previous post.

[Raphael]

In general, Opera prices have eased off a bit in the last few years. Perhaps the oak vs. mahogany premium is no longer valid, but I used to pay up to $1,000 more for oak, all other factors being equal. As everybody agrees, condition is paramount, but that too is in the eyes of the beholder. Some see beauty in originality, others see ugly scrapes and bruises. So I don't try to sell restored machines to "collectors" or original machines to a lady decorating her mansion. However, each will pay top dollar when they see what it is that they want.

Raphael

[Raphael]

Having talked about this yesterday with renowned Edison expert Don Gfell, he advised me that in recent years mahogany Operas are more in demand than oak, and that he feels that, although oak machines are much rarer, mahogany ones will command a higher price.

I defer to Don (and Doug & Brandon) and stand corrected.

I have two of each type in stock and will rethink my pricing as well.

Raphael