The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought a group of cylinders a few days ago and in the bunch was a Grand Opera cylinder made by the U.S. Phonograph Company. I have had several Edison Grand Opera cylinders but haven't come across a U.S. Grand Opera until now. The cylinder has the original box and lid as well as an interesting paper insert that I thought I would share here.

I hadn't heard of the second company listed on both the paper insert as well as the paper label on the bottom of the box until now. Like I said, this is the first U.S. Grand Opera I have seen or even heard of so am curious if they are scarce or if I have just overlooked them in the past. Does anyone else here have one they would be willing to share?

After 45 years in the hobby I have sorted through thousands of cylinders offered for sale and yet I've never seen that box. I'd say they are comparatively rare.

They are somewhat rare, likely because they were U S Everlasting's most expensive cylinder. The 2-minute sold for 50 cents and the 4-minute sold for 75 cents. In my years of collecting I have only found one U S Everlasting Grand Opera and it is 4-minute 33022, Miserere MME. I., Wright Heims and M. Jose Erard.

The Nauck / Sutton book, Indestructible & U S Everlasting Cylinders contains substantial data on same and covers the Grand Opera series on pages 27, 56-57 and 213-216.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated as always.

VintageTechnologies wrote:After 45 years in the hobby I have sorted through thousands of cylinders offered for sale and yet I've never seen that box. I'd say they are comparatively rare.

I asked a good friend of mine about this cylinder when I received it and he said the same thing. He mentioned that in 40 or so years in the hobby, this was the first he had heard of. I have to say that one aspect of this hobby that I enjoy the most is the fact that things like this are constantly surfacing.

For example, I recently found a virtually untouched group of 13 Edison Grand Opera cylinders. Although they are apparently much more common than the U-S Grand Opera, it was still exciting to find them.

rodpickett wrote:The Nauck / Sutton book, Indestructible & U S Everlasting Cylinders contains substantial data on same and covers the Grand Opera series on pages 27, 56-57 and 213-216.

I ordered a copy of this book today. Thanks for the information!

WOW

What a find of Edison Grand Opera's.

Some Grand Opera's have brought big dollars lately. There is a collector in the northwest who either has or is nearing a complete set.