In a Nutshell
Edison's top model phonograph, every collector's dream

Introduction:
Edison's "Opera" phonograph was introduced in November 1911, as the follow-up model to the 1907 2/4-minute combination model Idelia, from which it herited many details. It is a strictly 4-minute-only phonograph, that - after introduction of the Blue Amberol cylinders one year later - was sold with the heavier Diamond A reproducer optimized for the new robust celluloid records. In late 1912 also the name had to be changed to "Concert". The Opera is considered the Rolls Royce of all cylinder phonographs, and was offered in oak and mahogany cabinets, and with cygnet horns made for Edison from solid oak or mahogany by Sheip and Vandegrift under the label Music Master. Here we have the more expensive mahogany version, also featuring several ornate metal parts made from brushed bronze, as used for the Idelia (the cheaper oak version is documented in ref.1). The phonograph's lid has a hole to accommodate the horn even when the machine is not playing. The horn is a self-supporting free-standing cygnet horn, that can be swiveled by 360 degree without any crane. The direct-drive motor has no belt and moves the carriage and mandrel relative to the stationary pickup and horn, avoiding mechanical rumble to be transferred to the reproducer. A 3-spring governor and two flywheel stabilizers largely eliminate wow and flutter. The double spring motor plays for about 10 minutes, enough for two records without rewinding.

Additional information:
ref.1: http://www.bradfordsantiques.com/inc/sdetail/edison_opera_oak_phonograph/1286/2481
ref.2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7TS2GHvLrw&feature=youtu.be

About my phonograph:
The phonograph and its horn have the original finish, with all decals also being original. The horn's cygnet neck has no dents and paint loss and the two decals by Sheip & Vandegrift and Edison are almost undamaged. The upper works are in excellent condition with the pinstriping being original and more than 90% complete, and the brown finish of the bedplate having been only locally touched up in a few spots. The two serial numbers (2087) stamped on the bedplate and on the type plate are matching. The double-spring motor is perfect and can be fully wound up. The gun metal mandrel has no dents. The automatic brake was missing and has been expertly reproduced by Don Gfell. All gears have been painstakingly cleaned and lubricated. The phonograph plays faultless as can be seen by watching the youtube video in ref.2 or clicking on pict.70. The two cylinders played are selected from a large lot to remind us of the ambivalence of today's world:
"Ring Out The Bells Of Christmas", played by Edison's Concert Band and Mixed Quartet in 1912 on Edison Blue Amberol #2091
The lyrics can be found in the legend of the youtube video
"The Marseillaise", French National Anthem, sung in English by Thomas Chalmers in 1918 on Edison Blue Amberol #28289
Thomas Chalmers [1884-1966] was a star baritone with the Metropolitan Opera, but after a throat operation turned into a successful screen and television actor, director and producer. The two cylinders are included in the sale. Many more cylinders, including rarities like Marie Rappold, Fred van Eps, a Royal Purple record, and others are available on request. Please e-mail me (Kris) for any questions, ich spreche Deutsch, je parle Français.

Here are the specifications:

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