The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was watching this listing on Ebay as it not too far from me. Looked like a nice clean machine to me. Seems like it sold for more than most I've seen listed. Is there anything really special or different about this one? I did contact the seller but they were not able to give me any information at all. Said they knew nothing about it and didn't even know if it worked. Thanks in advance for the education, Jan eBay Item #262672826321

Model C Gems are scarce, and as you noted, this looked like a very clean, untouched example. The Lyon & Healy tag on the lid was a plus, and the original Gem horn in very nice condition was a real plus. (Not to mention all those "rings!")

Personally, I wouldn't have sold that machine so cheaply.

George P.

Thanks George. I appreciate it. There is just so much to learn. It did look like a nice clean machine.

In addition to being very clean and original, this machine appears to be the very seldom seen ICS Gem C. Aside from the "drip pan" and Model E Gems, I think this is one of the most difficult to find.
David

drboruff wrote:In addition to being very clean and original, this machine appears to be the very seldom seen ICS Gem C. Aside from the "drip pan" and Model E Gems, I think this is one of the most difficult to find.
David

I don't see a repeater or an ICS tag on it anywhere, which I would expect on an ICS Standard. Wouldn't those be present on an ICS Gem too?

It is my understanding the ICS Gem was not equipped with a repeating device or ICS tag. Frow features this model in the chapter covering Language Courses. Visually and mechanically, the upper pulley is uniquely constructed and larger in diameter when compared to other Gem models A-E. The example in Frow's book also features a Lyon & Healy dealer tag. I have the same model including the Lyon & Healy dealer tag, so perhaps they were a major supplier of the ICS Gem.
David

drboruff wrote:It is my understanding the ICS Gem was not equipped with a repeating device or ICS tag. Frow features this model in the chapter covering Language Courses. Visually and mechanically, the upper pulley is uniquely constructed and larger in diameter when compared to other Gem models A-E. The example in Frow's book also features a Lyon & Healy dealer tag. I have the same model including the Lyon & Healy dealer tag, so perhaps they were a major supplier of the ICS Gem.
David

David, Are you able to play both the ICS and 4 min or 2 min cylinders on this machine?

phonogal wrote:Are you able to play both the ICS and 4 min or 2 min cylinders on this machine?

The Gem C that was sold on eBay and referenced above (presuming this is the phonograph you're referring to versus David's Gem C) appears to be a 2 minute only phonograph and therefore not able to play 4 minute cylinders. The additional 4 minute gear assembly would be easily seen when installed on a factory issued 2 minute Edison Gem (ie. models A,B,C). If you're referring to David's Gem C then my apologies as only he could answer that.

Doug

The large mandrel pulley reduced the mandrel speed for the ICS cylinders. It also meant that two minute entertainment cylinders could not be played successfully. Surviving ICS Gem C machines are generally in good shape because they are a low milage machines from general lack of use. Jerry Blais

I think I have a key wind Gem with 2 & 4 minute, can't get to it---is it rare?