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Found this on Craigslist:

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/atq/3750752334.html

Seller is asking $10K for it, which is pretty steep, considering it has no horn, and the elbow looks like a repro.

They do say 'price negotiable', but I don't know whether they'd accept, say, $4K (if that's fair for an Opera in this condition).

Any opinions?

Bill

Hello,
It always amazes me what people think their stuff is worth!! In the last year I have seen several complete mahogany Operas in nice condition offered for 5K. This example without a horn and original elbow I would value at $3500.
Pete

Like many such machines Operas were thought of as being quite rare and desirable back when I was young- in the Internet age they've moved to being moderately scarce and desirable...you can afford to pick and choose.

I emailed the seller - he's fishing for offers, hoping for more like $8K because he thinks some have sold higher than that recently (where? in what shape?) and some auction house told him they could get $7K+ for him.

I politely told him about the last 2 that have sold on ebay for well under $5K, both with horns.

He's only going to sell if he gets what he wants, which probably means he's not going to sell any time soon.

It does appear to come with a bunch of cyclinder records, though.

Craig's List is always a mixed bag. There are bargains to be had, things priced fairly in the middle, and people with completely unrealistic expectations. Experience has taught that the latter are seldom open to even the most kind, gentle and courteous hint that they are full of it, so when I see that kind of ad I generally just regretfully shake my head and move on.

Clay