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This is a three-part curiosity question, the second being an opinion.

1. Were the earliest Opera and 1A Mahogany Amberolas supplied with a gunmetal finish mandrel as opposed to "oxidized bronze"?

2. (opinion)If your mandrel was originally oxidized bronze and has been scraped bare, would you have it re-done when restoring? I realize you would not be playing plaster-core Blue Amberols afterwards, unless extraordinary precautions were taken.

3. I'm guessing one can't tell the original finish when scraped bare. These three all look the same to me (maybe because they are?). The last is from an Oak 1A with a gunmetal bedplate, so would presumably have had a gunmetal finish mandrel. The other two are an early 1A and early mahogany Opera. (see three photos below) Thanks for your input!

I believe that all of the Amberola 1A's were factory released with oxidized mandrels. I have a three Amberola 1A's (1 oak, 2 mahogany) and have seen quite a few others in both oak and mahogany and all I've seen have the oxidized mandrel. As far as Operas I believe the mahogany ones had oxidized mandrels but most are worn from playing Blue Amberols. I know my two have pretty worn mandrel finishes. I don't know about oak Opera mandrels but would guess those had oxidized mandrels also. I could be way off on this so it will be good to hear from others.

Doug

FellowCollector wrote:I believe that all of the Amberola 1A's were factory released with oxidized mandrels. I have a three Amberola 1A's (1 oak, 2 mahogany) and have seen quite a few others in both oak and mahogany and all I've seen have the oxidized mandrel. As far as Operas I believe the mahogany ones had oxidized mandrels but most are worn from playing Blue Amberols. I know my two have pretty worn mandrel finishes. I don't know about oak Opera mandrels but would guess those had oxidized mandrels also. I could be way off on this so it will be good to hear from others.

Doug

Doug, My oak Opera, (Ser.# 4040) has an oxidized mandrel......

Iowa Dale

The first question is a result of a passing comment by, I believe, Mr. Rondeau, quoted here, but I'm not sure if the reference was to oak vs. mahogany. If anyone who can shed more light on this, I'd appreciate it.