i also have an edison and a collection of a couple hundred records. my most prized music maker, tho, is a regina music box. its made of mahogany and was completely restored about 20 years ago by a friend of an uncle, who brought rare antique automobiles to concours condition. (never will forget, he had a pristine 1904 oldsmobile in his dining room.) the regina plays "records" that are about 24" in diameter; these records have tabs that contact arms on the music box mechanism to produce sound. we have 40 or 50 records that each plays about 3 minutes. the mahogany resonates beautifully. great fun, especially for kids.
A twist on "Your absolute best..."
OK, here's a spin on the thread of "Your absolute best...". I mulled that question over for a while. Best in that regard is best sound, but you may have another piece which you particularly take pride in. Maybe your most interesting piece. It may not be your "best", but it does certainly deserve mention. My component, an old Edison phonograph. It is a floor standing console, I believe from the 1920's(from the phonographs which came with it). It is a wind up, and plays at 80rpm(NOT 78). Sits in my basement, as a stand for some of the junk down there. Could use some restoration of the cabinet as a result. I certainly cannot say it is a better component than my Jadis amp or Coincident speakers, but it sure is more interesting. It was bought by my family in the 1970s at a garage sale, for next to nothing. Have no idea of its worth, but I am not selling. Would love to see the list we come up with.