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Tour of My Edison Gem Model B

Now on Youtube see it in action

Production of the Gem line started February 1899. It was designed to counter the Columbia "Eagle". Early Gems are wound by a removable key. They did not come with a case. At that time the speed adjustment knob and ID tag were located on the front. The Gem came with a lid beginning in 1901. If one paied $7.50 one could obtain a horn with its crane. The model B Gem which began production in 1905, was the first to come with a non-removable crank instead of a key. Gems evolved through time with production ending for the line in 1914.

In 1899 the Gem sold for $7.50. Because the Gem was outfitted with the same reproducers as were used on better machines sound quality was surprisingly good despite its motor noise and lower power.

Model "B"

The model "B" was introduced in November, 1905. Similar to the late model "A" with some variations, the winding key was replaced by a crank and the motor was moved to the left side of the machine to allow room for the crank. This model Gem was wound clockwise and played 2-minute cylinders. A cone horn was included, until 1907, when an eight-panelled horn was available and a model "C" reproducer was provided.

This machine sold for $10.00 with a cone horn and for $12.00 with the paneled horn.