The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Finally got my Edison Opera elbow back and restored (briefly lost in the mail but found eventually). Attached are some photos and I think it looks great! Previously I had the motor looked at and adjusted by Brett Hurt (Dyslexic Genius) and the reproducer was rebuilt by Wyatt Marcus. Finally my Opera is where I want it to be! Any idea on the year? The serial number is 585, type SM and model A. Listed as an Opera, not a Concert. Thank you!

Very nice opera and I’m glad you were able to track down the elbow. That is a nice low serial number, most likely first year production, 1911 or 1912 maybe.
-Josh

Thank you! I’m very happy with it. Finally found my favorite Edison Purple Amberol to play on it too - 29062, Scherzo Tarentelle! Not sure why the photos posted side ways, but if you click in them they are right side up.

Nice Opera! They are my favorite machine! Did you wood grain the elbow?
Mister Opera

Yes - I had Ron Layman with The Faux School do it. He is a master at these things and was willing to take it on as a side project. The end result is great. It’s an original elbow and still had a little bit of the original paint, but looked terrible. I’m overall in favor of leaving things original, but decided to have this one restored in this one instance. It’s such an awesome machine!

Here’s a close up!