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Apparently an Edison Gem along with 4 minute blanks with recorded messages has been unearthed in a time capsule from 1913 in Oklahoma. The first link is for the yahoo page, the second an imgur link with detailed pictures. It seems the historical society did not assemble the Gem as they didn't want to damage the cylinders. I read that they will digitize them (using an unstated method) in the near future.

Anybody live in Oklahoma that can assist in playing back/recording these cylinders? Someone needs to let these people know that they have a rare chance to hear fresh cylinders played back on a practically new machine.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/10 ... .html?vp=1

Detailed Pictures:

http://imgur.com/a/RDjT5#9

They did as good job of packaging up and securing the items in the capsule. A few years ago a time capsule with a 1957 Chrysler was opened. The car had been sitting in water the whole time.

Here's the 2007 story...
1957 Time Capsule FAIL

What a fantastic time capsule!! I wish they had a picture of the Gem with the lid off. At least you get to see what the finish on Edison cabinets looked like when new. They were very glossy.
Pete

Fascinating. I already knew about the time capsule, but didn't know it contained that wonderful Gem. Hope there will be videos of it playing later. And really great that this time the capsule was protected from moisture, unlike so many.

Clay

Amazing!!!!! Cylinders do survive a long time, I bet the recordings are as fresh as they made them.

The Gem horn is red, so I wonder if it is a maroon Gem?

This is fantastic...

I saw the story on CNN but they did not show anything about the Gem. Very cool!