Featured Phonograph #104

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Zwebie
Victor IV
Posts: 1379
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:55 pm
Personal Text: We are only the caretakers for future generations.
Location: FLORIDA

Featured Phonograph #104

Post by Zwebie »

Make: Edison
Model: GEM Model A–3 (Third Style)
Serial #: G99780, (handwritten French conversion #158)
Year(s) Made: 1906
Original Cost: 65 Francs
Case/Cabinet Size: 10”L x 8”W x 9”T
Turntable/Mandrel: Standard
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Model–B (Serial #292714 with Glass Diaphragm)
Motor: Single Spring
Horn Dimensions: 8 ½”W x 11”T
Reproduction Parts: Only the belt and reproducer gaskets
Current Value: ?????

Interesting Facts:
According to Frow’s book; “ In October 1905 following criticism in France that the GEM looked like a Beatrice oil stove and that about 1400 were lying unsold, France, and possibly Belgium were promised specially finished GEMS. They had oak cabinets of truncated pyramid shape and the conventional round topped cover fitted on with end clips similarly to the larger machines. Where and how many were made is not known.”
I was exceedingly fortunate last year to acquire this machine via Ebay Great Brittan. According to correspondence with Jean Paul Agnard & Tim Fabrizio, this is one of only two known.
It was in need of a horn, winding crank, new mandrel and motor, which I acquired from donor machines. Any help in acquiring a small Pathé type crank to complete this machine would be greatly appreciated.

Favorite Characteristics:
Rarity, Unique Design – “like no other GEM”, and super green color, which doesn’t really show well in the pictures. I also like the unique on/off knob which protrudes thru the top of the casting.

[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsoROwzAoC0[/youtubehd]
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Jerry B.
Victor Monarch Special
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Re: Featured Phonograph #104

Post by Jerry B. »

That's wild... I love it! Jerry

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Roaring20s
Victor V
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Personal Text: Those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music. Nietzsche
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Featured Phonograph #104

Post by Roaring20s »

What a nice acquisition and addition to your collection.
The French records are a bonus.

James.

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Le0
Victor II
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Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2013 12:28 pm
Personal Text: avid 22 years old collector
Location: Montreal, Canada

Re: Featured Phonograph #104

Post by Le0 »

very cool. so they built that case around to hide the "ugly" base? it would be very interesting to see how it looks like inside.
Machines I own: Edison Standard A, suitcase Home, Home A, Triumph A & B, Columbia type BS, Standard Model A, Victor E, IV & V, Pathéphone No.4

phonolady
Victor I
Posts: 137
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:21 pm

Re: Featured Phonograph #104

Post by phonolady »

Bob,
It was good to see you at Union, we had a great show and looks like you found some unique items.

Congratulations, this is a very cool machine and I would think is probably of historical importance.
Thanks for sharing, we love it!

All the best,
David & Lerria

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Andersun
Victor III
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Location: Oldsmar
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Re: Featured Phonograph #104

Post by Andersun »

Thanks for sharing that with us! What a nice machine!

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