Edison Maroon Gem for sale

The Model D Gem, better known as the Maroon Gem, was introduced in late 1909. It was equipped with combination gearing to play both two and four minute cylinders, and a K reproducer to switch between two and four minute styli,

This little cutie has been a scarce and desirable collectors' favorite for at least as long as the fifty years I've been involved with antique phonographs. Its colorful exterior and gilded decoration are unique in the Edison universe; Edison was a conservative company that generally favored black paint and utilitarian design.

Despite its initial low price and apparently simple design, the Gem can be one of the more troublesome Edison models to restore. We had to do quite a bit of work on this to get it to the point where you will be happy with it.

With this example, we completely disassembled, cleaned, adjusted and lubricated the upperworks. We cleaned up the motor, and had to install a new governor on it. We freed up the tensioner, and re-belted the machine.

Cosmetically, the case has very decent original paint and scrollwork. There are a few small typical spots of wear through the paint.

The one piece baby morning glory horn is approximately 19 inches long with an 11 inch bell. The horn is marked Fireside, as is proper. You may not see any references in a book such as Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion to anything other than two piece horns, but one piece horns have turned up on rare occasions. The horn appears to be old and original -- it's a bit glossier than you might expect, but I can't see any indication that anyone has recently oversprayed it with a clear finish.

Two things that are always missing from these machines are the tiny crane and less obviously the upper gear cover. Because we believe the machine should be complete for you, we put on a reproduction crane and a reproduction gear cover.

This Maroon Gem is now playing as nice and smooth as can be. The little clockwork mainspring will play through a complete record. Both the two and four minute styli on the original K reproducer are very strong. You can hear it play a two minute cylinder by clicking on the link to the mp3 file, and you can hear it play a four minute cylinder on the youtube video below.

Price includes 5 Edison records to get you started.

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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.