The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Today the wife and I stopped at a antique store to the east of Birchrun Michigan. Nice place and I just commented to the wife how you do not often see any cylinder record players. She laughed and said "turn around". Behind me in a case was a red Edison gem with the wire crane and matching megaphone. It was clean and all there, the megaphone was missing some paint on the top, but was all there. And then I looked at the price. Only $1,100.00 . I am new to this and so far have been only playing with the later Amberolas. Not sure if that was a good price or not, but it seemed a little high.
Jeff

If this red Gem is original, with the red Fireside horn, 2 piece crane, K reproducer, decent case and decals, and plays, that is not a bad price. Red Gems in all original condition are a premium. I have a perfect complete example and I paid close to $1100.00 for mine a few years ago. I'd go back and check it closer.
Harvey Kravitz

Take some photos and post them...

It is at the -

Around the Farm Antiques Antique Store
Address: 12025 Gera Rd, Birch Run, MI 48415
Phone:(989) 244-6056
Hours: Open today · 10AM–5PM

The unit itself and the lid looked to be in great condition, bright and clear paint. The crane if I remember correct was a nickel plated "wire", and the horn looked good except for the top couple of sections. that is where it look like the paint was worn off.
Jeff

Jeff,

I believe that Gem is most likely an offering by one of our most respected forum members. I'll let him speak up if he cares to be recognized.

JerryVan wrote:Jeff,

I believe that Gem is most likely an offering by one of our most respected forum members. I'll let him speak up if he cares to be recognized.

I thought the same thing, Jerry! I admire your classy way of phrasing things!
Dave D

Dave D wrote:

JerryVan wrote:Jeff,

I believe that Gem is most likely an offering by one of our most respected forum members. I'll let him speak up if he cares to be recognized.

I thought the same thing, Jerry! I admire your classy way of phrasing things!
Dave D

Oh boy Jerry and Dave, it sounds like you're still celebrating Edison's birthday.
Now that I have my boots on I can wade in here to make a post.

Yes that would be my Maroon Gem D. Except the reproduction crane everything is original, parts and finishes, K reproducer and 19" maroon horn. It's in better than average condition but as with most maroon horns there is paint loss on the outside. The inside for whatever reason has all the paint intact.

Unfortunately Jeff because of the brisk holiday sales my phono inventory is down there. I try to keep 3 or 4 machine ready to go in that booth.
Around the Farm Antiques is a great mall and known for it's primitives and traditional antiques.

Jeff if you're ever back in the area check out Mikes Antiques in Millington also. That's where I normally have the bulk of my ready to go phono's. Mikes is well know for quality general antiques and high end clocks and furniture. This past weekend Mikes had there winter sale which draws a large crowd. I sold two record cabinets, a sheet music cabinet and a rare Victor A. Again because of brisk holiday sales I only have 5 phono's left there at this time.

Now throw in the tourist town of Frankenmuth and anybody can spend the entire day in this 15 mile area of Michigan.

Ok I'm done plugging my area of Michigan.

Larry Crandell

Hello Larry
I am from Bay City, so Frankenmuth is a quick ride for use. We normally stop at Fritz's on 46 in Richville for a early dinner and then head west and over Frankenmuth. I am knew to this hobby so I could be looking at a diamond and think it was a lump of coal. : )
I do know that your Gem caught my eye. We like to check out the antique stores up north and around Traverse City also. But it is rare to find any Cylinder record players and when you do they tend to be in a rougher state with what seems to me anyways a very high price. Can you post a photo of your Gem?
Jeff

What a small world, my wife is from Bay City.
That's another area where you can spend a whole day. Seems like every time we go there they have another new project going on in the down town area. Than you got the old mansions on Center Ave and also the river area with boat races, tall ships and 3 day forth of July fire works, it's a great town.

As far as the Gem, it will be next week before I can get pictures. Other obligations prevent me from getting to the shop until than.

Larry Crandell

Wednesday night is the free concerts in the park, variety of music, It might be Tuesday night is free movies in the park, Friday is free stuff/shows at the small waterfall park by the nut house candy store. The old Bay City Times building was just finished and turned into fantastic condos. 80% were sold before they finished. The old Bank building on the corner or Center and Washington was bought by the same developer and is slated for a large new development , Restaurant, business on the 1st floor, Offices on the 2nd and more condos on the next three. All of the new brownstones and the condos have sold , the "real Seafood" restaurant on the water, the new Marriott hotel, the dinner and the coffee cafe all are doing great at the new Uptown Bay City development. The big new Hospital speciality building is up and running at the same Development etc. Have you been to the new Library, The restored city hall or the restored State theater yet? And I can't leave out the huge new Y with it's indoor water slide, running track and day care. The Comfort Inn just wrapped up a $10 Million dollar rebuild of the old Holiday Inn, and the New Double Tree hotel is doing the best business in it's chain. Bay City is doing great, with many more projects being lined up.
Nice ride today, Stopped at Mike's/ Wow. Very clean and neat. lots of nice stuff and fair prices.
Jeff