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Much to my surprise, I found this in walking distance to my house in NYC. It came from an estate to a shop and then to me. Completely untouched and original including the lid. It even had a screwdriver and oil can in the case. Wanted to share so others can see what patina, finishes etc look like when they are original. I've noticed that more than other phonographs, Operas tend to get the full restoration treatment, and often with not the best results. Sadly the horn is split, but its very solid still, no loose panels. Model L reproducer seen here.

This Opera has no handles and is made in Oak. The serial number reads 1482.

Enjoy.

two more pics.

VERY nice find! As you say it's hard to find good Operas that haven't been restored. And especially hard to find in oak. Great score!

TinfoilPhono thank you. I've been actively hunting phonographs for years and never walked into one outside of a phonograph fair. Definitely an exciting moment to see it and really pleasing that it turned out to be so intact.

Grat find! What a nice machine. Thanks for sharing.

Gosh, our daughter lives in Brooklyn - - I'd better send her out to the local shops!

Congratulations. There's still a lot of good stuff out there.

George P.

Very nice find and much more exciting to find in the wild. Congratulations! Jerry Blais

WOW!! Congrats!! It is nice to see that more nice machines are being found on the loose. I would just get the horn repaired and enjoy it as a survivor.
Ken Brekke

Super "wild" find. It's amazing what is still coming out of the woodwork.

The phonograph gods were certainly smiling on you that day!

Bill