1912 Edison Opera
Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 8:10 pm
The mahogany cabinet and lid wear its original factory shellac finish. Front "Edison" decal is original and 100% intact. Bedplate and gear covers are original, and also wear their original factory paint although there is some expected chipping as Opera bedplate paint is notorious for flaking off. Flaked areas are acceptable to me, in light of how much of the original color has survived. All oxidized metal parts (handles, crank hole trim, crank handle) are original to the machine and have an original near perfect finish on them, this includes the original Diamond-A reproducer! Motor has been serviced (both mainsprings greased with proper graphite grease), and all bearings oiled and adjusted. Reproducer has been serviced and adjusted as well. Original horn elbow has nearly all of its original paint intact. Original Music Master mahogany horn was refinished a long time ago because of open joint splits (mahogany shrinks as it ages). The color is correct and matches the phonograph cabinet. To keep the price reasonable, I have decided to leave the horn alone. The cabinet has been cleaned of all dirt (and there was a LOT of it!).
Consider for a moment that the majority of Opera phonographs out there that have the following qualities:
-reproduction cabinets-reproduction castings-badly repainted bedplates-irregular running motors-marriages of parts-refinished in polyurethane
So, this is a bargain at (drum roll) $4500
10 years ago, we all remember what Operas used to sell for! Aside from the refinished horn, everything is original. PM with any questions. Thanks! -MM