The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

While sprucing up my GEM I noticed the serial and model number are stamped on the bottom of the housing. Wonder why since the information is right above on the data plate? Guess they had an abundance of labor. The motor is at Ron Sitko's.

Bill K

I think the redundancy in serial number locations came as the Edison company's reaction to some dealers selling at below the contractual list price in order to move slow-moving stock. In researching Standards, I've discovered that Edison went from one serial number in the beginning, to three by the end of production (two of which were hidden). Every so often one will see a machine with an obliterated serial number. While it could be that these were stolen outright, I think that they were more likely defaced by shady dealers to avoid Edison detecting who was breaking ranks.

Martin

Thanks. Very interesting - just can't trust anyone


Bill K