The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I purchased an Gem A yesterday.
I have several questions about the key:
Is it original?
Is it broken off on the end?
If it is broken, can it be fixed?

Thanks,
Gene

Hi Gene, I have several original Edison Gem model A's. Yours appears to be original but it does indeed have some of the end bitten off although comparing your picture with one of mine there is very little that is missing. I have one Gem key that has an almost straight 90 degree shank end and one that is slightly rounded at the shank end. I would try using yours as it is and if it does not work well then carefully try hand filing that tiny nub off at the end. The shank may be too short then but who knows unless you try it...you have nothing to lose as it is not quite correct as it is and you cannot easily add metal to extend the shank. It may work just fine as it is though.

Doug

Is it possible the tip was broken off and someone removed metal from the shoulders of the
shank to allow it to penetrate deeper? There looks to have been metal removed from that area
as the two sides don't look equal in length.