1906 Edison Bell Gem Cylinder Phonograph
$1,250.00
Ships Worldwide.
Bearing little resemblance to the metal-cased Edison Gem that was being manufactured and sold in the United States by Thomas A. Edison, Inc., the diminutive Edison Bell Gem — fully-cased yet smaller than a Columbia Q — was manufactured and marketed in England under a vague agreement with Edison USA that dated back more than a decade and, allegedly, was adhered to only at the leisure of the licensee.
This example is in excellent working order, has no replica parts, and comes with an original 8″ x 10″ advertisement promoting the fact that Edison Bell Gems were being assembled in their entirety by British hands. Also included is an Edison Bell Gold Moulded cylinder canister dating to approximately the same year.
The phonograph itself has a smaller footprint than the ad. With its lid in place, it measures just 9″ x 7″ x 7″ and weighs less than 10 lb. The Gem’s “New Model” reproducer has a good sapphire stylus and plays with clarity and good volume.
Clean original enamel on the cast iron crank (correct for this model), and the original spun aluminum horn has no dings, dents or creases. Bell diameter is 10″.
SOLD