The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The two examples shown have come from the world-famous collection of my wonderful friend, the late Domenic DiBernardo, aka “Mr. Gramophone”, who for years sought out and collected nothing but the very best available from every corner of the world.

These Operas were specially gold and nickel plated to the highest standards, with incredible preparation and polishing required to produce the perfect end result of the plating. Even the reproducers, auto-stop mechanisms, internal brackets, fastening nuts, etc. were plated. The mahogany casework was polished to a piano finish as well.

Before my acquisition, Dom's friend, Mark Caruana, made a YouTube video to document the pair. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S4v3RPdxe0

You may never see Edison Operas of this caliber elsewhere in the world. I know the phonograph originality purists will look down upon gold or nickel re-plated Edison Operas such as these. But others have marveled at them, regardless of their lack of originality. We are honored to have become their custodians, as these true museum pieces are the showpieces of our phonograph collection. They are not currently for sale.

Raphael

I remember seeing the gold-plated one at Dominic's table at Union years ago. It may not be original, but it sure had WOW!-power. Amazing work. I'm glad to see that the pair will remain together.

They’re amazing. I loved seeing them and the video was great too.

Can you explain any further the process of how this was done? How many exist out there that were originally gold and nickel plated?

As amazing as they look I hope they are played now and then! The Opera is my favorite cylinder machine, although I wish it could play 2 minute records.

They have been transformed into jewelry

I believe the nickel plated one would be my choice, were one to be offered to me

(I can still dream )

Although I admire the skills which have gone into these "improvements", I am reminded of a review of the Caruso re-creations where an electrically recorded orchestra was superimposed over the original.
The reviewer concluded that it amounted to putting old masters into chromium frames.

KCW wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 7:38 am How many exist out there that were originally gold and nickel plated?

Gold and nickel plating options were not originally available for the Opera/Concert.

George P.

These have inspired me to glue gold-sprayed macaroni to one of mine, a time-honored technique practiced in kindergartens and preschools nationwide. See attached illustration for an example.

As you can see, the gold really does make a difference.

Elegance!

PeterF wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 1:35 pm These have inspired me to glue gold-sprayed macaroni to one of mine, a time-honored technique practiced in kindergartens and preschools nationwide. See attached illustration for an example.

As you can see, the gold really does make a difference.

Elegance!

WOW.
I had NO IDEA that Chip Foose was into phonographs! All they need are Gourd-A-Horns! (TM) sorry, Jer!

Any chance of a Janis Joplin Edition?



(Flame suit on and zipped... )

phonogfp wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:58 am

KCW wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2024 7:38 am How many exist out there that were originally gold and nickel plated?

Gold and nickel plating options were not originally available for the Opera/Concert.

George P.

Exactly!!! Thank you George.

Maybe next will be a gold plated Gem, metal "cabinet" and all. Simple as calling up a good plating shop, and your fantasy can be fulfilled!