Advice needed - Hurry before I buy something!!!!

[Mr Grumpy]

Hi All,

I was wondering if I could get some advice from the members here about an Edison GEM machine.
I've found one for sale and have read about some of the problems surrounding these machines but wanted
to know what I should be looking for if and when I go see it in person.

I also have a few quick questions about them as well...
How do you determine the 'Type' of model (whether it's and A,B,G....)
Did all GEM's come with the 'morning glory' style horn? The one I'm looking at
has a typical withes hat horn that could have come from a standard but the case
of the machine (on the right side if you looking at the front) has what appears to be a mounting point
for a crane. I've never seen one of these machines in person so I have no idea what I'm talking about.

By the way, this would be my first external horn Edison, I just bought my first Edison (a non-functioning Amberola 50) this past weekend and have already got it running again.

[Jerry B.]

Model A Gem is found in three basic styles ( but there are variations within each) and all are key wind. All are black two minute Gems. They are:
Drip Pan Gem
Branded Case Gem
Banner Case Gem
*
Model B Gem is the first crank wind Gem. It first came with the banner decal followed by the "Edison" decal. It was a black two minute Gem. The black morning glory horn was first offered with the Gem B.
*
Model C Gem was intended for the New York sales as a result of a lawsuit. It is a black two minute Gem and has no end gate and had an "Edison" decal on the case.
*
Model D Gem was the first two and four minute Gem and collectors will call it the "maroon Gem" because the metal body and small morning glory horn were maroon. It should have a K reproducer.
*
Model E Gem was also maroon but only plays four minute cylinders. This Gem is very difficult to find.
*
The above are the very basic details. When the Edison company came out with the four minute cylinder, conversion kits were made for all previous machines in the entire Edison line. It's very possible to find a Model B Gem that has 2&4 minute gearing. Owners also purchased morning glory horns to make their machines more current so you'll see Model A Gems with a morning glory horn. The 10" cone horn was standard on the early Gems.
*
I hope this helps. Jerry Blais
*

[Jerry B.]

Probably from most common to least common would be:
Model B Gem
Model A Gem with decal on lid
Model A Gem with branded lid
Model D Gem
Model C Gem
Model A drip pan Gem
Model E Gem
*
I base the above on my observation only and have nothing to back it up. The Model B and late Model A are much more common than any of the others. I would guess that three quarters of all Gems are B's and late A's. What do others think? Jerry

[briankeith]

Here's a couple of internet captured photos of some Edison Gem models to add to Jerry's great bio. Also check out the Pathé Gaulois which in my humble opinion was a total French copy of the Edison Gem. It came in about six really sharp colors too. (I have a dark green Gaulois with a large but very lightweight aluminum horn)

[Mr Grumpy]

Thanks for the replies.

Below is an image of the one I'm looking at, but I'm slowly talking myself out of it. I always
hoped my first would be a good standard or home.

I guess it's an 'A' because of the winding mechanism.
I thought the thing on the right was for a crane, turns out its called an 'End Gate'
What exactly is an end gate and what's it's purpose?

[debndunk]

Hi, the end gate is to support the mandrel and this machine has a hole in the end gate for a horn crane. Yes it is a model A built between 1902 and 1905, hopes this helps. Gordon

[kirtley2012]

Nice little machine!, a gem is fine for a first machine, mine was only a fireside because that is all I found, I would have been happy with a gem, the end gate is essential because it swerves like a door and clicks in place over the pin you see in the end of the mandrel, it is to keep the mandrel secure when playing!

[Jerry B.]

Doesn't your photo show a little vertical opening in the end gate near the hinge? That's where a small crane goes for a horn larger than the 10" cone horn. Do you mind sharing the asking price on the Gem? Jerry

[Jerry B.]

Any Gem is well worth considering. A collection is not complete without a Gem...or two...or three. (Actually, that's a stupid comment. When is a collection ever complete?) I loved Pete's comment that a Gem is like Jello... there's always room for more. Jerry Blais

[Mr Grumpy]

Hey Jerry,
The Asking price is $600.00

Okay the end gate completely makes sense now. It's almost obvious now that
it's been explained