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Make: National Phonograph Company
Model: GEM A (Drip Pan)
Serial # G10372
Year(s) Made: 1899-1901
Original Cost: $7.50
Case/Cabinet Size: Base = 7 ¾" X 5 ⅞" Height = 6 ½"
Turntable/Mandrel: Nickel Plated Mandrel w/ interesting zigzag patterned seam
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Reproducer was attached to the carrier arm. Weight and stylus bar was from the Automatic reproducer and hinged to the underside of the carrier arm. The upper tube plate was secured by 2 screws to the face of the carrier arm. The diaphragm sat into the carrier arm.
Motor: Single spring that played (2) 2 minute cylinders per winding.
Horn Dimensions: 10" cone black finish with gold stripe.
Reproduction Parts: Belt, Reproducer weight limit screw and mica diaphragm (should be glass). Limit screw and diaphragm will be changed out.
Current Value: ?
Favorite Characteristics: I like the early features of this Edison machine including the reproducer set up, the front mounted on/off switch, and the side connecting mandrel rod, carriage rod, and intermediate gear. I also like the drip pan and the primitive carriage lift limit rod.


I am currently looking for a nice original 10" cone horn to display on it.

More pics....

Very nice machine in very exclusive company, amazing display. Thanks for sharing!

Andreas

Hello,
I have always wanted one of these Gems. Yours is in exceptional condition!!
Pete

Beautiful Gem, Steve!

Even the mandrel plating looks nice - - and these are notorious for flaking.

I have two of these but they're both missing their drip-pans (as most are). I'm surprised that no one has reproduced these drip-pans.

By the way, your Gem left the factory about October 1899.

Thanks for posting!

George P.

That's a really nice machine. I really enjoyed the pictures. I didn't know these early Gems did not have an end-gate, like the later Branded Case, Model A % B. Was this a cost cutting feature? The other Edison machines of that era had end-gates. Does anyone know why?
Harvey Kravitz

I am glad that you bought it. It truly is in incredible condition. It was one of the nicest machines at the North Carolina show. Stephen

Great drip pan Gem. To find one in this condition is a rare find and to share it with us is a treat, thanks for taking the time and sharing.
Best Regards, Larry

Very pretty! Thanks for such nice pictures!
Bob

phonogfp wrote:
By the way, your Gem left the factory about October 1899.

George P.

George,
Thank you for the age information!

All,
Thank you for your comments!