Featured Phonograph #104
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:24 pm
Make: Edison
Model: GEM Model A–3 (Third Style)
Serial #: G99780, (handwritten French conversion #158)
Year(s) Made: 1906
Original Cost: 65 Francs
Case/Cabinet Size: 10”L x 8”W x 9”T
Turntable/Mandrel: Standard
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Model–B (Serial #292714 with Glass Diaphragm)
Motor: Single Spring
Horn Dimensions: 8 ½”W x 11”T
Reproduction Parts: Only the belt and reproducer gaskets
Current Value: ?????
Interesting Facts:
According to Frow’s book; “ In October 1905 following criticism in France that the GEM looked like a Beatrice oil stove and that about 1400 were lying unsold, France, and possibly Belgium were promised specially finished GEMS. They had oak cabinets of truncated pyramid shape and the conventional round topped cover fitted on with end clips similarly to the larger machines. Where and how many were made is not known.”
I was exceedingly fortunate last year to acquire this machine via Ebay Great Brittan. According to correspondence with Jean Paul Agnard & Tim Fabrizio, this is one of only two known.
It was in need of a horn, winding crank, new mandrel and motor, which I acquired from donor machines. Any help in acquiring a small Pathé type crank to complete this machine would be greatly appreciated.
Favorite Characteristics:
Rarity, Unique Design – “like no other GEM”, and super green color, which doesn’t really show well in the pictures. I also like the unique on/off knob which protrudes thru the top of the casting.
[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsoROwzAoC0[/youtubehd]
Model: GEM Model A–3 (Third Style)
Serial #: G99780, (handwritten French conversion #158)
Year(s) Made: 1906
Original Cost: 65 Francs
Case/Cabinet Size: 10”L x 8”W x 9”T
Turntable/Mandrel: Standard
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Model–B (Serial #292714 with Glass Diaphragm)
Motor: Single Spring
Horn Dimensions: 8 ½”W x 11”T
Reproduction Parts: Only the belt and reproducer gaskets
Current Value: ?????
Interesting Facts:
According to Frow’s book; “ In October 1905 following criticism in France that the GEM looked like a Beatrice oil stove and that about 1400 were lying unsold, France, and possibly Belgium were promised specially finished GEMS. They had oak cabinets of truncated pyramid shape and the conventional round topped cover fitted on with end clips similarly to the larger machines. Where and how many were made is not known.”
I was exceedingly fortunate last year to acquire this machine via Ebay Great Brittan. According to correspondence with Jean Paul Agnard & Tim Fabrizio, this is one of only two known.
It was in need of a horn, winding crank, new mandrel and motor, which I acquired from donor machines. Any help in acquiring a small Pathé type crank to complete this machine would be greatly appreciated.
Favorite Characteristics:
Rarity, Unique Design – “like no other GEM”, and super green color, which doesn’t really show well in the pictures. I also like the unique on/off knob which protrudes thru the top of the casting.
[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsoROwzAoC0[/youtubehd]