[Phono-L] Gem recorder
Does anyone have a Gem recorder they can place on a table with the sound tube on the table top and send me a photo of the profile? I am rebuilding a Gem recorder and since I do not have a Gem that will help me to get the link length correct. Thanks, Steve Medved steve_nor...@msn.com ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org Unsubscribe: phono-l-unsubscr...@oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay
It does look pretty decent. I've placed a bid. Thanks, Al. Ron L -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of clockworkh...@aol.com Sent: Friday, October 18, 2013 9:23 PM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay Hi Ron: Are you still looking for a Gem? There is one on eBay now with no bids but has the original 8 panel morning glory horn, crane, and looks decent. It is item # 131020621116 Regards, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Gem on Ebay
I'd dearly love to have a working Gem but they always seem to go for stupid money. Here's one, item 390679645174 that is lacking the case and reproducer (regular C?) am I missing any other problems here? Ron L ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay My 2 Cents worth...
Greetings Ron: That particular seller takes machines apart and sells the parts separately. I am personally against parting out a working machine so I would not purchase it. That being said, the motor has a few issues. In addition to those stated in the listing, the belt idler tension pulley, arm, and spring seem to be missing. Someone has worked on the motor which indicates there may be more hidden problems created by a kitchen table repairman. Do you really want to buy this then have to go and separately buy a good Model C Reproducer, $100, replace the cabinet, $175, find a Gem cone horn, $25 reproduction. The Model C Gem would actually be correct with the 6 panel straight morning glory horn but an original can command $200 with a crane. A complete and working machine from a fellow collector would seem to be the best way to get a Gem. The ones that go for crazy prices are those with the Gem Special Automatic Speaker in a branded top cabinet with the all brass witches hat horn. Thi s makes sense due to only 20,000 being made and few surviving intact. A nice 2 minute Gem that is complete often sells on eBay for $400 to $500 depending on condition. Best wishes, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay My 2 Cents worth...
Thanks, Al. I have a spare C but those other problems are enough to keep me away. Ron -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of clockworkh...@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 8:20 PM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay My 2 Cents worth... Greetings Ron: That particular seller takes machines apart and sells the parts separately. I am personally against parting out a working machine so I would not purchase it. That being said, the motor has a few issues. In addition to those stated in the listing, the belt idler tension pulley, arm, and spring seem to be missing. Someone has worked on the motor which indicates there may be more hidden problems created by a kitchen table repairman. Do you really want to buy this then have to go and separately buy a good Model C Reproducer, $100, replace the cabinet, $175, find a Gem cone horn, $25 reproduction. The Model C Gem would actually be correct with the 6 panel straight morning glory horn but an original can command $200 with a crane. A complete and working machine from a fellow collector would seem to be the best way to get a Gem. The ones that go for crazy prices are those with the Gem Special Automatic Speaker in a branded top cabinet with the all brass witches hat horn. Thi s makes sense due to only 20,000 being made and few surviving intact. A nice 2 minute Gem that is complete often sells on eBay for $400 to $500 depending on condition. Best wishes, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay My 2 Cents worth...
Penny wise pound foolish is what comes to mind. I have seen other auctions too from the same guy where he has listed in separate auctions parts from the same machine to raise his take. There is a lot of cost involved in making an incomplete and broken machine complete, but sometimes it is the journey or challenge that makes it fun. However, often by the time your finished it is more expensive and less original than if you had bought a better example in the first place. Bill Sent from my iPad On Oct 16, 2013, at 7:47 PM, Ron L'Herault lhera...@verizon.net wrote: Thanks, Al. I have a spare C but those other problems are enough to keep me away. Ron -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of clockworkh...@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 8:20 PM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem on Ebay My 2 Cents worth... Greetings Ron: That particular seller takes machines apart and sells the parts separately. I am personally against parting out a working machine so I would not purchase it. That being said, the motor has a few issues. In addition to those stated in the listing, the belt idler tension pulley, arm, and spring seem to be missing. Someone has worked on the motor which indicates there may be more hidden problems created by a kitchen table repairman. Do you really want to buy this then have to go and separately buy a good Model C Reproducer, $100, replace the cabinet, $175, find a Gem cone horn, $25 reproduction. The Model C Gem would actually be correct with the 6 panel straight morning glory horn but an original can command $200 with a crane. A complete and working machine from a fellow collector would seem to be the best way to get a Gem. The ones that go for crazy prices are those with the Gem Special Automatic Speaker in a branded top cabinet with the all brass witches hat horn. Thi s makes sense due to only 20,000 being made and few surviving intact. A nice 2 minute Gem that is complete often sells on eBay for $400 to $500 depending on condition. Best wishes, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Hello Al and all who helped, I really appreciate all the serial numbers. Steve To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Thanks, I did not want to bore anyone. From: pjfra...@mac.com Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:11:43 -0700 To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E naw, keep it public. we love it. -- Peter pjfra...@mac.com On Aug 30, 2012, at 5:44 PM, Steven Medved steve_nor...@msn.com wrote: Sorry, meant to send this off list. Steve From: steve_nor...@msn.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:26:08 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hello Al, Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have often wondered when the Edison phonograph carriages went from clips to the set screw. George Paul tells me Standard 52182 that has the clips and 53411 that has the screw left the factory in April 1902. He has data that tells when machines left the factory. I guess the set screw came out in October 1901 as the early B got the notch in the 17,000 range and the Model C appeared around 25,000, but this is only a guess based on the Frow book saying the standard got the push pull lift know in October 1901 when it did not get it until around Standard S108,000 which would have been way into 1902. It is my idea he got the push pull lift know and the set screw mixed up. I have learned it is very hard to pin Edison products down with dates. Best regards, Steve Steve, Both No.52182 and No.53411 left the factory about April 1902. Makes sense, doesn't it? Best,George To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
hi all both edison and colombia did strange things i have two aow's that are close in serial numbers and the horn connection on one has a step down where the horn connects and the other does not. also i have a 1901 edison spring motor with a north american top and and mandrel. they were like any business and utilized what was at hand they were not collectors like us but sold products lol zono -Original Message- From: Peter Fraser pjfra...@mac.com To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Thu, Aug 30, 2012 10:26 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E naw, keep it public. we love it. -- Peter pjfra...@mac.com On Aug 30, 2012, at 5:44 PM, Steven Medved steve_nor...@msn.com wrote: Sorry, meant to send this off list. Steve From: steve_nor...@msn.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:26:08 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hello Al, Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have often wondered when the Edison phonograph carriages went from clips to the set screw. George Paul tells me Standard 52182 that has the clips and 53411 that has the screw left the factory in April 1902. He has data that tells when machines left the factory. I guess the set screw came out in October 1901 as the early B got the notch in the 17,000 range and the Model C appeared around 25,000, but this is only a guess based on the Frow book saying the standard got the push pull lift know in October 1901 when it did not get it until around Standard S108,000 which would have been way into 1902. It is my idea he got the push pull lift know and the set screw mixed up. I have learned it is very hard to pin Edison products down with dates. Best regards, Steve Steve, Both No.52182 and No.53411 left the factory about April 1902. Makes sense, doesn't it? Best,George To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Hello Al, Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have often wondered when the Edison phonograph carriages went from clips to the set screw. George Paul tells me Standard 52182 that has the clips and 53411 that has the screw left the factory in April 1902. He has data that tells when machines left the factory. I guess the set screw came out in October 1901 as the early B got the notch in the 17,000 range and the Model C appeared around 25,000, but this is only a guess based on the Frow book saying the standard got the push pull lift know in October 1901 when it did not get it until around Standard S108,000 which would have been way into 1902. It is my idea he got the push pull lift know and the set screw mixed up. I have learned it is very hard to pin Edison products down with dates. Best regards, Steve Steve, Both No.52182 and No.53411 left the factory about April 1902. Makes sense, doesn't it? Best,George To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Sorry, meant to send this off list. Steve From: steve_nor...@msn.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:26:08 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hello Al, Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have often wondered when the Edison phonograph carriages went from clips to the set screw. George Paul tells me Standard 52182 that has the clips and 53411 that has the screw left the factory in April 1902. He has data that tells when machines left the factory. I guess the set screw came out in October 1901 as the early B got the notch in the 17,000 range and the Model C appeared around 25,000, but this is only a guess based on the Frow book saying the standard got the push pull lift know in October 1901 when it did not get it until around Standard S108,000 which would have been way into 1902. It is my idea he got the push pull lift know and the set screw mixed up. I have learned it is very hard to pin Edison products down with dates. Best regards, Steve Steve, Both No.52182 and No.53411 left the factory about April 1902. Makes sense, doesn't it? Best,George To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
naw, keep it public. we love it. -- Peter pjfra...@mac.com On Aug 30, 2012, at 5:44 PM, Steven Medved steve_nor...@msn.com wrote: Sorry, meant to send this off list. Steve From: steve_nor...@msn.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:26:08 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hello Al, Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I have often wondered when the Edison phonograph carriages went from clips to the set screw. George Paul tells me Standard 52182 that has the clips and 53411 that has the screw left the factory in April 1902. He has data that tells when machines left the factory. I guess the set screw came out in October 1901 as the early B got the notch in the 17,000 range and the Model C appeared around 25,000, but this is only a guess based on the Frow book saying the standard got the push pull lift know in October 1901 when it did not get it until around Standard S108,000 which would have been way into 1902. It is my idea he got the push pull lift know and the set screw mixed up. I have learned it is very hard to pin Edison products down with dates. Best regards, Steve Steve, Both No.52182 and No.53411 left the factory about April 1902. Makes sense, doesn't it? Best,George To: phono-l@oldcrank.org From: clockworkh...@aol.com Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 01:59:49 -0400 Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Hi Steve: The highest number Model N Reproducer in a Gem E that I know of is 67830. It is a domed one with the large N on the fishtail weight. Hope that helps... Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Gem Model E
I am trying to narrow down Model N serial numbers, if anone has a Gem E I would be interested in the serial number of the N reproducer and the machine. You can reply off list if you like. Hit reply and copy and paste my e-mail address. Thanks, Steve The N was made for the Standard E and appeared around serial number 22,000 with a flat top and round weight. The N was used for the Gem E and left over Gem D machines. It was made for the later Amberolas to play the wax amberols. The N-56 was made for the amberola 5 and 6, the regular N was made for the amberola 8 and 10. 1 The first N was the round weight; it came out around serial number 22,000. This had the pot metal flat top. The first one said Nat’l Phono around 25614 they have TAE Inc on them. 2. The second N was the trowel, not to be mistaken with the N-56. The trowel N does not have a pillar for the Amberola lift. This likely came out the same time as the trowel O around 42,000. These have the early dome top. 3. Then come the bent weight N’s. I have observed the start around 46,000 and they normally have the good or last style of large top. The bent weight N has six varieties. 1. Extended H weight stamped Model N over H 4 Minute. 2. Extended H weight stamped Model N 4 Minute. 3. Extended H weight stamped Model-N in slightly larger letters 4Extended H weight stamped N. 5. N weight stamped N 6. N weight stamped N with pin holding stylus bar in place. The Frow book has four of these and does not mention the trowel weight N. 7. Then the N-56 which has three serial number varieties. First the regular O and N serial number, I have seen one in the 70,000 range. Then more commonly I have seen four in the R and S serial number range of 31,000. Finally the A series, I know of an N-56 with an A287 serial number. I believe the A series were made after the fire but I could be mistaken. I do know for certain that C, H and K’s were made after the fire along with 2 and 4 minute recorders. In 1911, Edison's companies were re-organized into Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Model E
Hi Steve, I have a Model N reproducer with a trowel weight that is S/N 22689. Good luck with your data. Harvey From: Steven Medved steve_nor...@msn.com To: phonol...@yahoogroups.com; phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 12:30 PM Subject: [Phono-L] Gem Model E I am trying to narrow down Model N serial numbers, if anone has a Gem E I would be interested in the serial number of the N reproducer and the machine. You can reply off list if you like. Hit reply and copy and paste my e-mail address. Thanks, Steve The N was made for the Standard E and appeared around serial number 22,000 with a flat top and round weight. The N was used for the Gem E and left over Gem D machines. It was made for the later Amberolas to play the wax amberols. The N-56 was made for the amberola 5 and 6, the regular N was made for the amberola 8 and 10. 1 The first N was the round weight; it came out around serial number 22,000. This had the pot metal flat top. The first one said Nat’l Phono around 25614 they have TAE Inc on them. 2. The second N was the trowel, not to be mistaken with the N-56. The trowel N does not have a pillar for the Amberola lift. This likely came out the same time as the trowel O around 42,000. These have the early dome top. 3. Then come the bent weight N’s. I have observed the start around 46,000 and they normally have the good or last style of large top. The bent weight N has six varieties. 1. Extended H weight stamped Model N over H 4 Minute. 2. Extended H weight stamped Model N 4 Minute. 3. Extended H weight stamped Model-N in slightly larger letters 4 Extended H weight stamped N. 5. N weight stamped N 6. N weight stamped N with pin holding stylus bar in place. The Frow book has four of these and does not mention the trowel weight N. 7. Then the N-56 which has three serial number varieties. First the regular O and N serial number, I have seen one in the 70,000 range. Then more commonly I have seen four in the R and S serial number range of 31,000. Finally the A series, I know of an N-56 with an A287 serial number. I believe the A series were made after the fire but I could be mistaken. I do know for certain that C, H and K’s were made after the fire along with 2 and 4 minute recorders. In 1911, Edison's companies were re-organized into Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
[Phono-L] Gem
Is anyone interested in a true rarity? a Model B Gem masquerading as a Model D maroon Gem - just go to eBay 320872892193. Mike ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.org
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 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem D or E
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 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem D or E
Yes or sometimes has a seperate boss for letter Sent from my iPhone On Feb 24, 2011, at 12:49 PM, Tom Jordan tom...@msn.com wrote: 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 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
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 ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Gem carriage wanted
Does anybody have a spare Gem A or B carriage rattling around the spare parts bin? I want to find one to use on my branded-case A, to temporarily allow it to use a C reproducer rather than the weak early Gem reproducer when I feel like having it sound better. Let me know what you've got and what $$ or trade you'd like for it, off list please. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone -- Peter pjfra...@mac.com ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Gem motor
Hello all Anyone got a Gem motor for a model D maroon Gem? A friend got the body and needs the guts or he may consider any parts thereof. Thanks John Robles ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
Re: [Phono-L] Gem Automatic Reproducer
The drip pan Gem had 2 minor variants of Gem Automatic Reproducer. Both were built into the carriage arm. One has a wide connector flange and the other which has a machined modification to the carriage arm has a lesser diameter flange. The more narrow came first and the wider flange allowed for a machine operation to be eliminated. Both horn connector tube/flange plates were held in by 2 screws, one on top and one on the bottom. The narrow connector flange changed to the wider flange about the same time the patent plate last patent date went from 1893 to 1898. When the next 'branded case Gem' came out it had the stamped tin Gem special Automatic which bayoneted into place but was still held by 2 screws. Regards to all, Al ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] gem question
I think the 1998 Gem has an electric ignition, doesn't it? ;-) Tim tvene...@optonline.net wrote:With a 1998 gem I was wondering if it supposed to use the winding shaft with the pin going through it or would it use the winding shaft with the slot in it thanks ___ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L@oldcrank.org http://oldcrank.org/mailman/listinfo/phono-l
[Phono-L] gem question
I meant 1898 sorry - Original Message - From: john robles john9...@pacbell.net To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 4:22 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] gem question I think the 1998 Gem has an electric ignition, doesn't it? ;-) Tim tvene...@optonline.net wrote:With a 1998 gem I was wondering if it supposed to use the winding shaft with the pin going through it or would it use the winding shaft with the slot in it thanks ___ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L@oldcrank.org http://oldcrank.org/mailman/listinfo/phono-l ___ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L@oldcrank.org http://oldcrank.org/mailman/listinfo/phono-l
[Phono-L] gem question
According to the Frow/Sefl book the early caseless Gem used the hollow key with a slot that engaged a pin on the winding shaft of the mainspring. BTW - does anyone have a spare oil pan bottom or start-stop governor speed arm (L shaped friction pad holder)? Best wishes to all, Al
[Phono-L] Gem Questions???
Hi Jerry ~ My Gem D is serial #338490 D. Does not appear to have black paint under the body or the horn, which has original paint. I find it very odd that there would be factory black paint under the maroon on the horn especially, since (I've always assumed) the somewhat iridescent quality of the horn finish comes from the bright tin (or nickeled tin?) base metal of the horn itself. Don't know what to tell you about the black under the maroon finish of the body. Anyone? Andy Baron On Nov 8, 2006, at 7:23 AM, DeeDee Blais wrote: I recently added a Model D Gem to my collection and I have a few questions about that model. It's quite nice but on the few places where maroon paint is missing, you see black paint underneath. There is no doubt in my mind about the maroon paint being original. It came with a maroon one piece M/G horn (Fireside decal) and it also has black paint under the maroon. The early Model D Gems must have started the manufacturing process as black machines and were repainted. Does anyone know how long into the serial number range this happened? Does anyone track Gem serial numbers? This may help... Gem C #303035 with black one piece horn Gem D #322971 with maroon one piece horn (black paint underneath on both machine and horn) Gem D #323576 with maroon one piece horn (black paint underneath on horn but not sure on machine) Gem E #356315 with two piece horn (opaque maroon paint on horn) Thanks for any help happy collecting. Jerry Blais __ __ Want to start your own business? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-index ___ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L@oldcrank.org Phono-L Archive http://phono-l.oldcrank.org/archive/ Support Phono-L http://www.cafepress.com/oldcrank
[Phono-L] Gem Questions??? The importance of serial numbers...
Greetings Jerry: I hope all is well with you. The Gem D's seem to range roughly from #315000 to #357000. Confusion arises with the fact that Gem C's range roughly from #295000 to #35 because these machines continued to be made for ICS while the D's were being made. Toward the end, the rare Model E's also were made alongside of the D's and ended roughly around #357000. I estimate there were less than 1000 E's made since the serials seem to start above #356000 and end before #357000. I don't know of any records with serials at the Edison site so I put this out to this learned list, are there any serial number records at the Edison site? Given the simultaneous assembly of both black and maroon Gems, it is entirely possible that black Gems were on occasion repainted for a maroon Gem. There is likely no delineating time line for this practice. May all your finds be rare ones. Best wishes, Al Sefl
