This is an sale for a very very special machine. Make sure to save this in your watch list.* * * * * * *For your consideration is an original custom ordered factory finished Gold Plated Mahogany Edison Triumph Model D 2 and 4-minute cylinder phonograph with Gold Plated cygnet horn mount and factory drilled Model D repeater holes and carriage rail insert. This is a phonograph "for the books."
This machine when new was well over double the cost of the standard Model D Triumph. Whoever ordered this phonograph was a very wealthy and probably important individual. The Mahogany cabinet was an upgrade from the standard Oak and the machine presumably had a Mahogany cygnet horn which bumped the price in 1910 from $65 to $90. On top of that was a $50 uncharge just for the Gold Plating (the price of a cygnet-equipped Edison Home was just $45!) along with another $7.50 for a repeater, which has since left the machine.
There's no known extant database of custom ordered cylinder phonographs from the Edison factory and current speculation puts the number of known Gold Plated machines under 10, including this recently discovered phonograph. I know of other Gold Plated Triumphs however this may be the only Gold Plated Model D known.
Since uncovering this machine I have done nothing but transport it home. The cabinet has been left just as I found it, showing some repair work to the fragile Mahogany wood top frame and sides. The top works was Nickel Plated prior to being Gold Plated and for one reason or another, due to the sheer fragility of the Gold Plating, much of the top works has a Nickel sheen, with Gold remaining along the edges and in the corners and crevices. The crank has remnants of the Gold finish as well. The hardware, especially under the top frame and inside the lid is undeniably Gold Plated and I suspect it would clean up with some ammonia if the next owner wishes to do so. The two rear bedplate screws appear to be of modern manufacture.
This machine was factory-equipped with a repeater, which must have also been Gold Plated. The top casting shows that the factory workers mis-aligned the repeater screw holes at first and filled in their mistake with brass plugs. The carriage rail has a factory-installed wood insert designed to dampen the seating of the carriage when it was dropped back to the beginning of a record.
The motor runs quiet and strong with no indication of any spring problems, apart from sticky grease. I have chosen to not clean the bearings on both the motor and top works as I would like to present this machine as it was found.
The Diamond B reproducer shows no signs of Gold Plating so I assume it was added at a later date.If you have been searching for a very special machine for your collection, well, here's an opportunity to acquire something that rarely if ever will be available for sale again.
Please observe photographs for more details regarding condition and confirmation of above description. Please write me for additional photos if needed.* * * * * * *Since this is such a fragile and rare phonograph I will be offering to arrange for delivery within the Midwest/ East Cost in addition to offering the greatestof care taken for shipping. If shipped the machine will be carefully disassembled, with the cabinet shipped in one double-boxed parcel, the motor shipped in another double-boxed parcel and the top works shipped in a third double-boxed parcel. Shipping or delivery considerations can be discussed at any time prior to the end of the sale.
If you are from an international locationplease send me a message prior to offerding so I can make sure the machine can be transported to your country. Detailed arrangements including providing ample insurance will made be for any international transaction if shipment abroad is deemed safe.
I have a great deal of experience shipping rare and fragile phonographs, records and related items so you may offer with confidence that this lot will get to you in the same condition as shown above.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this item or any others I have listed.

On Jun-25-16 at 05:52:45 PDT, seller added the following information:

ADDENDUM:
Upon completetion of the sale the winning buyer's name will be kept private and will not be revealed by me to anyone.