In a message dated 12/5/2004 10:36:30 PM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Are all model A Gem lids the same size, will the branded case fit all model A's? Will a model A Gem lid fit a model B? I know the base is a different size for the model B. Do they attach to the base or the metal Gem itself? I have never owned a Gem.
If you have a banner case Gem lid how can you tell if it goes to a late model A or an early B? Thanks, Steve Hi Steve: After the caseless Gem of 1899 came the branded case lid of 1900. In 1902 the banner Gem transfer was put onto the case lid and it stayed there until shortly after the Model B Gems arrived in 1905. From that time on the lid simply had the Edison script transfer. BTW - There is/was a Gem Model D on eBay which had the wrong horn (spun aluminum) and a case lid with a banner transfer from an early Model B Gem. The branded case has two spring loaded pins that fit into two holes, one on each side, in the cast iron phonograph body. Later models use screw in pins and grip the iron body from both sides in the same way. *If memory serves*, the cast iron Gem phonograph body stayed the same size from 1900 until the end with the Gem E. I would have to go measure all my Gems to be sure but they are packed away where I cannot readily get to them. The fly in the ointment is that you will not get any Gem A to fit a later machine because the keywind machines had no slot for the crank. The Model B machines will likely work on all later models but I have not tried swapping lids. The branded case lid has a more thin construction thus the base is smaller. Later wood with the screw in pins had to be made more thick and the base was resized to accommodate the larger lid circumference. I hope that answers your questions. May all your finds be rare ones, Al
