Near, All - 1900 Edison " Branded Case " Gem Phonograph W/Orig. Horn
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4333998 |
Make sure to check out all of my auctions after you've looked at this one. I'm listing another top shelf assortment of mechanical, technical and musical antiques -- including three near mint, all original antique phonographs -- and I suspect that there will be something of interest to just about everybody. And if you're heading out on vacation and would like me to hold your purchase for a week or two until you return, I'll be happy to do that. Just... let me know before you remit payment if you need me to keep your item, and I'll send you a special invoice reflecting delayed shipping. Regardless of when you'd like to have the item shipped to you, all payments for purchases are due when the auction ends.
Here's a beautiful, all original Edison "branded case" Gem cylinder phonograph with its original cone horn. Unlike later Gem phonographs, and all other Edison phonographs made after 1899 (whose cabinets were adorned with decals) the branded case Gem had its decorations literally stamped into the surface of the lid. There are mechanical differences as well between this early Gem and later models, but the most visible difference is the cabinet, which is unlike any other cabinet ever made for an Edison phonograph.
Condition of the phonograph is excellent to near mint condition throughout. Original Japanned finish on the metal case is still deep black and glossy, with virtually no signs of wear. The fragile gold highlights are still prominent, and the Edison signature on the vertical face of the casting is still vibrant. Nothing has been touched up or restored. The phonograph comes with its original carriage, its original Automatic-style GEM speaker reproducer, and its original long shaft winding key.
The cabinet, like the phonograph, is in outstanding original condition, and the whimsical (for Edison, at least) original "branding" is still dark and fully legible. The cabinet finish is original, and it's silky smooth. The cabinet hardware is original, and the nickel plating on the hardware is still reasonably clean. Much less tarnish and oxidation than you typically see on even the cleanest GEM lids.
The motor is still strong, the governor works properly, and the machine has no trouble playing a cylinder at an even speed from start to finish. Nickel plating on the winding key is clean.
The Gem speaker reproducer is original, and it sounds remarkably good for such a primitive reproducer. Obviously designed to be used with brown wax cylinders, but it can also be used with black wax and celluloid cylinders.
The 10" cone horn is original, with only a few scattered marks and none of the damage you typically find on original cone horns.
I'll include with the phonograph an early brown wax cylinder
Overall, an exceptionally nice Edison cylinder phonograph, worthy of the most exacting collector.
I've been selling and shipping antique phonographs, antique radios and antique scientific apparatus for more than 25 years. When you purchase an antique phonograph from me, you'll receive a phonograph that arrives safely because it's been carefully packed (by me, not by some well-intentioned but nonetheless confounded, doe-eyed teenager working at the UPS store who wouldn't know a phonograph from a farm tool), and you'll receive a phonograph that includes thorough but easy-to-understand set-up and operating instructions, so you won't be left scratching your head, trying to figure out how it works. Sure, you can probably get a lower price from Joe and Janet Barn-Find, but when your "bargain" arrives broken, and without any hint of how it works or how you might be able to put it back together, you'll realize that you really do get exactly what you pay for
If you're bidding from overseas, please contact me in advance for a shipping quote. That's about it. I will carefully prep everything for shipping and pack everything carefully and properly. I've been shipping fragile antique phonographs and wireless sets for years, and I know how to get them to you safely. Buyer prepays and includes shipping. Paypal okay.
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