The "Gem" was Edison's bargain phonograph, selling for $7.50 in 1899 and rising to $15 by 1908. These metal-cased machines were simple but extremely well made, however like Ford's Model T they were available only in black until this striking machine was released in late 1908. Painted in a striking, deep maroon with a matching horn, it is a truly beautiful little machine. The Model D also had gearing to allow it to play both 2 and 4 minute cylinders, using the Model K reproducer with rotating stylii for the two types of records. This was part of the same line-up as the Amberola 1-A, released at the same time, but it was at the bottom end of the price spectrum while the Amberola was the most expensive of Edison's offerings..