The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Did anyone on the forum snag this Mahogany GEM?
Talk about a "rare bird"!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/167063000501?_ ... R57ykc3fZA

Interesting things will eventually surface!
With shipping $100. James.

What a steal!

I have some reservations about the originality of the wooden components. Still a good deal...

George P.

A steal no matter what the cabinet wood is. As to the cabinet, however, I am skeptical about it being original. I am fairly certain that the base board is new/reproduction. Something about the lid does not sit right with me either. Certainly, the handle is wrong. I am not convinced

The case is not original. Look at the holes for the lid handle hardware. They’re crooked!
I’ve owned multiple mahogany Edison’s and can tell you the wood they were made from hasn’t been available for many many decades. Practically impossible to find for a very long time.
I’ve also studied an authentic mahogany cased Gem and can tell you when you have seen a real one, fakes are easier to spot. Just my opinion based on 40 years of restorations and careful observations.
You may disagree and that’s okay.

phonospud wrote: Tue Nov 05, 2024 12:14 pm The case is not original.
I’ve owned multiple mahogany Edison’s and can tell you the wood they were made from hasn’t been available for many many decades.

That's what jumped out at me! The mahogany grain looks all wrong and the interior veneer is mahogany as well, (which somehow doesn't seem right). Plus, the inside reinforcing rib is also mahogany. I don't believe they would have used mahogany for that, but that's just my guess.

They used African stripe mahogany. The originals were Honduran mahogany

Obviously the case is homemade but it still looks good…any Edison shipped to your door for less than $100 is a steal….Dont let the original factor get in the way of common sense…Congrats to the new owner..

It looks to be a good bit or work, but that looks like a modern red stain. I agree (FWIW) with observations others have made. I would have no interest in this machine regardless of how cheap it may be.