The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is the johnsons paste wax good to use on wood cases and lids? I put Howard's orange oil and the beeswax stuff every now and then. With the high humidity down here I'm always looking for a way to protect and preserve my machines.

Django wrote: I like your Gem C and the old newspaper background. I have an A, C and D, but in my humble opinion, the C is the nicest looking. I used to have a Norton Commando, black with gold. Very dignified.

Django, I'm likely the only one on this board that appreciates your post referencing a Norton Commando. I am in the middle of restoring my 1975 Mark III 850. See below surrounded by phonos in the garage. By the way I have a super nice Gem Model C with 2/4 minute conversion and 19" horn. Priceless (nearly)
Joe

Man I wish I had so many Phonos I had to put them in the garage

My Gem Model D is a bit of a factory second. The graphics on the front face were not applied straight, but it still presents well and I like things with a little character. It's not very noticeable as displayed.

Django wrote:My Gem Model D is a bit of a factory second. The graphics on the front face were not applied straight, but it still presents well and I like things with a little character. It's not very noticeable as displayed.

Off topic, but I'd like to see some pictures of that Norton. The 2 into one and piggy back shocks are a nice upgrade from stock. They are a thing of beauty. The biggest drawback were those Lockheed brakes. I do miss that bike though.

My Gem Model D is a bit of a factory second. The graphics on the front face were not applied straight, but it still presents well and I like things with a little character. It's not very noticeable as displayed.

I enjoy the machines with factory flaws. But if I were doing a restoration it would end up being a "do over!"

Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:

My Gem Model D is a bit of a factory second. The graphics on the front face were not applied straight, but it still presents well and I like things with a little character. It's not very noticeable as displayed.

I enjoy the machines with factory flaws. But if I were doing a restoration it would end up being a "do over!"

Jerry Blais

It's not perfect, but still too nice to restore. It will always be flawed as long as it is with me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Edison-Fireside ... SwguxZeOIl

Here is an original, maroon over black, one piece horn.

Django wrote:My Gem Model D is a bit of a factory second. The graphics on the front face were not applied straight, but it still presents well and I like things with a little character. It's not very noticeable as displayed.

I had a Model C Gem whose decal "GEM" was just as crooked as yours. Like you, I always sort of liked it. It's funny what we'll allow if it's original, but wouldn't tolerate as restoration.

In one of our books we show a beautiful Vernis-Martin Victrola XVI whose original lid decal is upside down. I'll bet someone caught some grief for that.

George P.