The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Several people have commented about the potential value of a database listing known Edison Operas in this thread. I have gone ahead and created a database to start this project, which will obviously take time.

Please post in this thread with information on Operas you own or have seen:

- Serial number
- Wood (mahogany or oak)
- Owner (information will be kept private)
- Notes (any details worth recording - ESPECIALLY if it is marked 'Concert.")

NOTE: If anyone is concerned about posting a serial number publicly on the forum, feel free to PM me privately.

Thanks!

Any interest in also listing the Opera's poor country cousin, the Concert?

Absolutely. I've edited my post accordingly. It would be interesting to see around what number the change from Opera to Concert occurred.

Okay, I'll start...

#1
- Serial number: 4411
- Wood: Mahogany
- Owner: Me, (no previous owners known)
- Notes: Marked "Concert"

#2
- Serial number: 2676
- Wood: Oak
- Owner: Me, (no previous owners known)
- Notes: Marked "Opera"

My machine was noted in the previous thread but I'll add details here.

Serial# 4663
Wood: Oak
Owner: me (previous owner unknown)
Marked as Concert with Dealer tag originally sold from Toronto Canada.

Great start, let's keep them coming!

I have already added my census of Edison School Phonographs, which of course are Operas in metal cabinets. I will be curious to see if any wood-cased Opera numbers appear within the largest block of School numbers.

Unlike machines with the data plate affixed to the cabinet as opposed to the bedplate, I would assume that practically all Opera/Concerts have data plates that match the number on the straight-edge? This would negate the need to add this item to the database, but interesting to note.

This was my Opera that I sold in the 2017 Donley Auction

- Serial number: 2705
- Wood (mahogany or oak): Mahogany
- Owner (information will be kept private): Was Jim Nichol, present owner unknown
- Notes (any details worth recording - ESPECIALLY if it is marked 'Concert.")

Jim Nichol

- Serial number: 3672
- Wood: Mahogany
- Owner: me
- Notes: purchased in England from an antiques dealer.

Serial number: 1104
- Wood: Oak
- Owner: Me
- Notes: None

Are there any specific variations in Operas that need to be noted? Perhaps case variations on later examples?