1910 Edison Opera Cylinder Phonograph * Oak
$6,850.00
1910 Edison Opera Cylinder Phonograph * Oak * Exceptionally Nice & Original Throughout
Beautiful oak Opera with its original Music Master oak horn and faux-grain elbow.
The Opera was Edison’s best-performing outside horn cylinder phonograph. It had a geared drive, a massive motor, and its mandrel advanced beneath the reproducer, allowing the large wood horn to remain stationary as a record played through. Its mechanism was quieter than that found on any of Edison’s earlier phonographs, and the Opera’s sound quality was (for 1910) state-of-the-art.
This example is original throughout, and its condition is excellent. The oak horn has a professional repair at the 9 o’clock mark (see the last several photos) but the wood and cabinetry is otherwise pristine and the original horn and cabinet decals are crisp and colorful. The chocolate paint and gold decorations on the bedplate are original and in excellent condition, with only minimal wear consistent with age and gentle use. The faux-grain horn elbow is original, and the paint wear is minimal relative to other un-restored Music Master elbows.
The motor is robust, and the phonograph is capable of playing multiple cylinders when fully wound. The mechanism runs smoothly, and the mandrel advances silently and steadily beneath the upper carriage as a record plays through. The diamond reproducer is in excellent condition, and Blue Amberol cylinders played on the phonograph sound wonderful — loud and very dynamic.
In short: a “museum quality” oak Opera that needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately.
Shipping considerations require that overseas buyers contact us prior to purchase.
SOLD
