Beautiful antique phonograph Edison GEM Type I. USA 1898

Antique Edison Type 1 GEM phonograph, fully restored and in perfect condition and working order. The phonograph is dated in the late 19th century (1898) and was manufactured in the United States of America. It is designed to play 2-minute cylinders. The motor has been revised, cleaned and fine-tuned in order to guarantee an optimal working order; thus, the phonograph provides a great and neat sound. In order to be used, it comes with three original cylinders in perfect condition. The phonograph preserves all its original component parts, from the remarkable metal horn to the antique reproducer or soundbox. It also keeps the original wooden cover with the fine decal, a golden ribbon with the brand name printed in black lettering. The phonographs body is made of black-enameled cast iron. Inside it hides the motor. The black finish is wonderfully preserved and keeps the golden decorative lines and the manufacturers signature, all in great condition. We can see two silvery-metal plates riveted to the body: one of them bears an engraved inscription including the phonograph model (TYPE 1 GEM) and the other contains the patents and the serial number (G50615). The reproducer is a model B and bears an inscription indicating that it is only licensed to be used in Edison phonographs. The cylinders that come with the phonograph are original too and are stored in their fine old-time sleeves with the portrait of the famous inventor and a great antique design. This antique Edison Type 1 GEM witnessed the early days of sound technology. Its ancient age and good working order turn it into a real museum piece.Edison Bell Phonograph Co. History The Edison Bell Phonograph Company was founded in 1893 after purchasing three key patents for the manufacture of Edison phonographs and cylinders. The company stablished in the Edison House in London and kept a 10 year monopoly of the phonograph trade. Soon illegal competitors emerged and created a booming trade, among them James E. Hough who was forced by Edison Bell to abandon his trade. Then Hough negotiated a deal with the firm so he could keep on trading through the Edisonia company, founded in 1897. Edison Bell and Edisonia merged in 1898 and created the Edison Bell Consolidated Phonograph Co, Ltd.; the firm kept overall control over the phonograph and cylinder trade till 1902, when the patents expired. They produced their lasts phonograph cylinders in 1914; after this year, only gramophones and records were manufactured. The firm kept on in business until 1931.