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Post by lukewarmwater on Sept 11, 2007 20:18:08 GMT -5
Here's a shot of a recent acquisition that is sure to bring a tear to the eye of a phonograph collector: a mahogany Edison 'Concert' that survived a house fire while it was stored in an attic. Unfortunately, the lid and horn bell did not survive. The charring to the case is mostly to the front and right side. The people I acquired it from told me it was in nice condition before the fire. I gave the upper mechanicals a light cleaning just so I could handle it, lubricated it, and damned if it didn't run! Gotta love it! I cleaned the crank and reproducer and they came out nice and shiny. The stylus melted out of the bar in the heat of the fire, of course. I've already managed to secure a horn for it, but if anyone hears of a mahogany Opera case/lid for sale, please let me know. There have been two on eBay recently and I wasn't able to win either. I intend to have David Teti redo the bedplate. Any suggestions on someone to do the oxidized bronze? Steve Farmer? I call this one "Project Phoenix"! Luke W.
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Post by Matt Brown on Sept 11, 2007 21:55:04 GMT -5
Neat find there Luke - hope you're able to find everything you need - certainly worthy of saving!
Best,
Matt
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Post by lukewarmwater on Sept 12, 2007 4:28:36 GMT -5
Thanks Matt! I've had several people ask me to dismantle it for parts, but I won't do that. Mechanically its 97% complete (missing the record brush, reproducer stanchion set screw, and brake indicator rod). Maybe I should just get it playing and leave it this way as a monument to Edison durability! Or, use it for a display on the Edison factory fire. Luke W.
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Post by maroongem on Sept 12, 2007 9:25:45 GMT -5
Don Gefell has/makes repro lids if you wish to go that route. I've seem them and they are perfect, and the color would be inconsequential if you are planning a refinish.
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Post by lukewarmwater on Sept 12, 2007 11:01:45 GMT -5
Thanks for that tip, Maroongem! I wasn't aware Don made those lids. Luke W.
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Post by Matt Brown on Sept 12, 2007 18:57:56 GMT -5
Good for you - you culd probably make a good deal of money if you parted it out, but I commend you for not doing so - a machine like that deserves to be restored and appreciated.
Best of luck in doing so.
Matt
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Post by MT Phono on Sept 13, 2007 10:07:09 GMT -5
Speaking of Dave Teti's work (or should I say miracle): img404.imageshack.us/img404/6547/dsc0402xmb7.jpgThis was apparently burned worse than yours - the cabinet was completely gone and there was gunk from the fire residue completely covering the M. Every part on this machine is original and was brought back to life by Teti and another phono collector. Obviously I highly recommend Dave Teti too - have faith - your phono will be beautiful once again.
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Post by lukewarmwater on Sept 14, 2007 16:35:54 GMT -5
Another view:
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Post by lukewarmwater on Sept 14, 2007 16:42:02 GMT -5
. . . and another:
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