Edison Gem Questions

[Dave D]

I have an Edison Gem model A (serial number G57707, January 1903). It has a threaded winding shaft, but I would have expected a slotted one for a key. It came with the too of an automatic reproducer (sadly, no weight) instead of a Model B. Lastly, the base is pine, but looks properly made, looks old and matches the lid.

Any comments? Does this seem normal to you?

[JerryVan]

Yes, it should have a key. Apparently, when the one side of slotted shaft broke away, (the other side still remaining), the "solution" was to thread the remainder of the shaft and insert a threaded crank.

[Dave D]

An excellent deduction! I'll have to see about putting it right again.
Thanks!
Dave

[JerryVan]

An excellent deduction!

Elementary!!