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Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 4:38 pm
by Victrola20
I am wondering what the lowest surviving serial number is for the Edison Opera. It would be interesting to know how many are below 200. Anyone want to share ? Is someone maintaining a data base of opera’s. Thank you

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 5:25 pm
by TinfoilPhono
I don't have a database for Operas, however I do own #10. And I have read that #7 survives.

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I'd be very curious to hear if anyone knows of any others under 100.

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 6:14 pm
by Mr Grumpy
Do we know how many were made?

My serial number is in the 4000s

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 6:40 pm
by TinfoilPhono
Russ Ridley of Victoria, BC Canada, who follows the forum but isn't a member, asked me to pass along the information that he has Opera #45.

According to George Frow, there were a bit over 4600 made. The later ones, after August 1912, were marked 'Concert' rather than 'Opera.'

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 7:35 pm
by dzavracky
TinfoilPhono wrote:I don't have a database for Operas, however I do own #10. And I have read that #7 survives.

Image

I'd be very curious to hear if anyone knows of any others under 100.
Wow that is really neat that you have NO.10! Is it oak or mahogany?

David

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 7:53 pm
by Mr Grumpy
TinfoilPhono wrote: According to George Frow, there were a bit over 4600 made. The later ones, after August 1912, were marked 'Concert' rather than 'Opera.'
Thank you!

At #4663 I must have one of the latest ones then! (Assuming they started at 1?)

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 9:19 pm
by edisonclassm
I owned and restored #3 years ago. I sold it to Rick Wilkins of Texas who in turn sold it to someone else. I don't know where it is at this point.

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 10:57 pm
by TinfoilPhono
dzavracky wrote:Wow that is really neat that you have NO.10! Is it oak or mahogany?
It's mahogany and is lovely original condition.

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 10:58 pm
by TinfoilPhono
edisonclassm wrote:I owned and restored #3 years ago.
Now that's very cool! I hope the current owner chimes in here and posts a photo.

Off-topic, but I remember being amazed to see Edison Concert #2 at Union several years ago. With a Polyphone attachment, no less.

Re: Lowest known serial number for Edison Opera

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 11:00 pm
by TinfoilPhono
Mr Grumpy wrote:At #4663 I must have one of the latest ones then! (Assuming they started at 1?)
They did start at one, so yes, I think yours must be very near the end of the run. Anyone have a higher number?