Edison Gem Phonograph for sale

This Edison Gem Phonograph, technically a Model B Gem, dates 1905-1908. The Gem was introduced in 1899 at a price of $7.50 as an economy machine to compete with Columbia's Type Q, but by 1905 the price had risen to $10.

Although you'd expect that, given the low price, lots and lots of Gems would have sold and survived, surprisingly this isn't the case. While not a rare machine by any stretch of the imagination, Gems appear to be outnumbered by surviving examples of Edison Homes and Standards.

The Gem utilized some unique features among Edison phonographs. Its small clockwork mainspring was not enclosed in a barrel. The cast iron case was integrated with the motor, rather than employing a cast iron bedplate and wooden case as did other Edison machines. The combination brake/speed control typically entailed some adjustment of the speed with every cylinder. The all-enveloping lid on later models is seen only on early Edison Spring Motors and Concerts (the very first Gem had no lid).

All this presents some special problems for the restorer, and although the Gem was an inexpensive machine, it is not the easiest Edison to work on.

We've gone through the motor and upperworks of this machine and replaced some parts that commonly cause trouble. In fact, we had to borrow from a parts machine, in effect taking two Gems to make one, in order to give you a good, trouble free machine. And this is one more difference between our machines and a machine on a venue such as ebay.

Cosmetically, the original finish lid has a nice original Edison decal and almost no veneer peel -- you most often find these lids shredded to pieces. The black paint and stencil work on the body are very, very decent.

The mainspring on these machines, when everything is in good condition, has just enough power to play through a single record; we have re-belted and tested the machine, and it will go through a complete cylinder.

The machine is now running smoothly and properly, and comes with a strong original Model C 2 minute reproducer. You can hear it play by clicking on the audio link, or by viewing the youtube video below.

If your intention is play a lot of cylinders, then this Gem probably isn't the best choice for you, and we'd recommend one of our Edison Standards or Homes. If however you'd love something cute and different that doesn't take up a lot of space, and functionally demonstrates early 1900s technology, then this little Gem has your name on it!

Comes with 14" brass and black replica horn, and 3 very nice, clean original 2 minute Edison records.

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Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest,south, and northeast.