The earlier phonos had the first letter of the machine in the serial number
like the H in home and S in standard and G in gem.
The early C and D models have the C or D at the end of the serial number.
In 1908 for a while the B C and D models were made at the same time which is
why you will see a lot of variety. I have seen a Gem D with the Gem decal and
a home B with the decals instead of the pin striping on the bedplate. The
home, standards, and Gems went to decals on the bedplate so you see variety,
the Triumph never had decals.
The later D models and all the E and later have a space for the model
designation. You can see recycled ID plates with one model Xed out and another
stamped in.
Any corrections are appreciated.
> From: tom...@msn.com
> To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:49:37 -0600
> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem D or E
>
> Please excuse this possibly obvious question, but is the model of Gem D, E,
> etc., identified by the letter preceding the rest of the serial number? For
> instance, I have a GEM with a serial number of G694916. Sometimes what
> seems obvious really isn't. That's why I ask.
> Thank you.
> Tom
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On
> Behalf Of clockworkh...@aol.com
> Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 2:40 PM
> To: phono-l@oldcrank.org
> Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem D or E
>
> The Model D Gems are not uncommon but one in perfect shape is scarce at
> best. The 2 and 4 minute Gem D is a good machine but the K Reproducer has
> issues of its own and must be in great shape for best sound reproduction.
> The
> very rare Gem Model E has the larger diaphragm N Reproducer which plays 4
> minute Amberol Records very nicely.
>
> There are Gem Ds on eBay with great regularity. They vary in price from
> $650 to $2,000+ (all original cleaned up and looking brand new) depending on
>
> who is bidding and the presentation of the machine in the photos. The horn
> condition is always a problem since the clear lacquer red tint is easily
> worn
> off, chipped off, and scratched off. The maroon paint on the machine is
> not that durable either.
>
> It is my estimate that less than 300 Gem Model E machines were made.
> Probably less than 50 have survived and having collected for nearly 50 years
> I
> have only known of 4 examples. The Gem E on eBay now is the fourth machine
> and from the opening bid price the seller knows of the rarity. The serials
> numbers were intermixed with the late Gem D so the only accurate source of
> the
> information would the archives at the Edison National Historic Site which
> are closed to all but a few.
>
> Regards to all,
>
> Al
>
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