1904 Edison Gem phonograph
Datedated 1904
Inventory Number8503
ClassificationPhonograph
Subject
Maker
National Phonograph Company
1896 - 1911
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsnickel cylinder diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
with lid removed: 22.5 × 25.5 × 20 cm (8 7/8 × 10 1/16 × 7 7/8 in.)
with lid removed: 22.5 × 25.5 × 20 cm (8 7/8 × 10 1/16 × 7 7/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesnickel-plated wind-up key
DescriptionA mechanically-activated Edison GEM phonograph from 1904. The device consists of a trapezoidal, heavy metal case, painted black, mounted on a rectangular wooden base. The top of the case supports a horizontal, nickel-plated cylinder for holding wax cylinder records. A moveable stylus made of sapphire is positioned along a rod parallel to the cylinder. The outside face of the stylus assembly has a short metal tube-shaped attachment point for and a horn-shaped acoustic amplifier.
The metal base has gold pin striping and is inscribed, "Trade / Thomas A. Edison (in script) / Mark" on the center front panel, and a stylized trio of boxes with initials, "GEM" inscribed in them.
The phonograph has a generally rectangular, domed dust cover made of bentwood, which attaches with a pair of thumbscrews, located on either side of the case, to the wooden base. The front face of the cover has a design featuring an entwined banner with the inscription, "Edison / GEM / Phonograph." The top of the case has a pivoting metal and wood carrying handle. A broad flat double-wing nickel-plated winding key with a circular loop hole has a length of cotton string securing it to the case handle.
The metal base has gold pin striping and is inscribed, "Trade / Thomas A. Edison (in script) / Mark" on the center front panel, and a stylized trio of boxes with initials, "GEM" inscribed in them.
The phonograph has a generally rectangular, domed dust cover made of bentwood, which attaches with a pair of thumbscrews, located on either side of the case, to the wooden base. The front face of the cover has a design featuring an entwined banner with the inscription, "Edison / GEM / Phonograph." The top of the case has a pivoting metal and wood carrying handle. A broad flat double-wing nickel-plated winding key with a circular loop hole has a length of cotton string securing it to the case handle.
Signedon phonograph front: Thomas A.Edison
Inscribedpainted front: GEM;
stamped plate rear: MANUFACTURED UNDER THE PATENTS OF THOMAS A. EDISON, et als, at Orange, N.J., U. S. A. MAY 8, 1888 [other patent dates]... NOV. 17 1903 OTHER PATENTS PENDING THIS MACHINE IS SOLD UNDER THE CONDITION THAT... (see folder)
FunctionConversion of variations in grooves on wax cylinder into electrical impulses for the reproduction of sound
ProvenanceKarl Dubpurnell.
Historical AttributesOriginally purchased by Dr. Karl Dubpurnell of Detroit in 1904. See old tag attached
See 1996-1-0319 (box of cylinder records) and 1997-1-0981a,b (two horns) for other items that accompanied this gift. And maybe 8507 & 8506.
Columbia Phonograph Company
Date: circa 1904
Accessories: hollow, cylindrical, paper case
Object number: 8507
Date: 1890-1930
Object number: RS0505
Automatic Adding Machine Company
Date: circa 1915
Accessories: rectangular leather case; manual for operation and maintenance, price lists, and examples (CHSI library Lib.4587, photocopy in instrument file)
Object number: DW0972
Automatic Adding Machine Company
Date: circa 1907
Accessories: original leather pouch case; black stylus for advancing chain counters; manual for operation and maintenance, price lists, and examples (Lib.4587, photocopy in instrument file)
Object number: 1997-1-1863
Sylvania
Date: late 19th-early 20th Century
Accessories: brown cardboard box, with handwritten note, "345 on 35"
Object number: RS0369
Edison Manufacturing Company
Date: late 19th-early 20th Century
Object number: RS0370
S. Bergmann & Company
Date: dated 1880
Accessories: foil on cylinder; manuals in envelope under #850
Object number: 8500
General Electric Company
Date: circa 1910
Object number: 1997-1-1403q
Fritz Köhler
Date: circa 1892
Accessories: Ivory signaling rattle
Object number: 8098a
