Gaggenau GEM in a box

[ogilkes]

How were GEM rifles originally shipped? Were they boxed in some way?

I ask as I have acquired a Gaggenau (the crossed pistols) heavy GEM in a box. Box fits the rifle perfectly, three brass hinges two swing hooks on the front and a broken central catch. Stencilled on the top and bottom is the word GEM in light blue paint. The serial number is added in by hand on the bottom. Box is professionally made, though needs tom TLC today.

Is this an original Gaggenau GEM box? Anyone know?

Nasty image I fear https://imgur.com/3kf2JNV

[Garvin]

How were GEM rifles originally shipped? Were they boxed in some way?

I ask as I have acquired a Gaggenau (the crossed pistols) heavy GEM in a box. Box fits the rifle perfectly, three brass hinges two swing hooks on the front and a broken central catch. Stencilled on the top and bottom is the word GEM in light blue paint. The serial number is added in by hand on the bottom. Box is professionally made, though needs tom TLC today.

Is this an original Gaggenau GEM box? Anyone know?

Nasty image I fear https://imgur.com/3kf2JNV

Of course, Ollie, if it's a genuine prewar Gem box it's very rare! Wood it may not be original though - Gems were not exactly luxury items and I doubt if the EG ones were known as Gems when new. Maybe one sold in England was. Could it be made by a gunshop?

[ogilkes]

Of course, Ollie, if it's a genuine prewar Gem box it's very rare! Wood it may not be original though - Gems were not exactly luxury items and I doubt if the EG ones were known as Gems when new. Maybe one sold in England was. Could it be made by a gunshop?

So when did the term GEM come into use? I think this is a GE type 17 or 18. May be a silly question but is that the origin? Gaggenau Eisenwerke .... something..... Though it is always the other way around in German catalogues. I suppose the box could have been made almost any time, it was professionally done nicely dovetailed. Do you know of any original examples?

I see it was called the 'Jewel' http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....ing-of-airguns

[ccdjg]

So when did the term GEM come into use? I think this is a GE type 17 or 18. May be a silly question but is that the origin? Gaggenau Eisenwerke .... something..... Though it is always the other way around in German catalogues.

Thank to the invaluable research of John Atkins, we know that the name "GEM" for these early air rifles was coined by A. Arbenz, well known airgun importer and distributor based in Birmingham, at least by 1882 (advert in 1882 Punch magazine). He registered this as a UK trademark in 1884 (reg.no. 38,891), specifically in capitals with the inverted commas.

Does the GEM name on your box lid have the inverted commas? If so then it suggests the box is original, as I doubt if anyone adding the name to a repro' box would think to use these.

[harry mac]

Gagenau Eisenwerke und Metalfabriken. "GEM". Even if it's not, it should be

[Garvin]

Gagenau Eisenwerke und Metalfabriken. "GEM". Even if it's not, it should be

Next you'll be telling us BSA really stands for Bloody Smashing Airguns.

[Benelli B76]

Thought it was because a lot of this type of rifle were poor performers, and these were looked upon as the best.

Baz

[mrto]

Maybe so named because when new they were all shiny and glittery with their extensive nickel plating?

Shame most of 'em look bloody awful now.

[ccdjg]

Shame most of 'em look bloody awful now.

How do you think you might look when you are over a hundred?

[ogilkes]

Gagenau Eisenwerke und Metalfabriken. "GEM". Even if it's not, it should be

That would be nice! I'll check th ebox.

[ogilkes]

Thank to the invaluable research of John Atkins, we know that the name "GEM" for these early air rifles was coined by A. Arbenz, well known airgun importer and distributor based in Birmingham, at least by 1882 (advert in 1882 Punch magazine). He registered this as a UK trademark in 1884 (reg.no. 38,891), specifically in capitals with the inverted commas.

Does the GEM name on your box lid have the inverted commas? If so then it suggests the box is original, as I doubt if anyone adding the name to a repro' box would think to use these.

Thank you! Mystery solved. Where did Mr. Aitkins write this up?

[mrto]

How do you think you might look when you are over a hundred?

Hopefully,not as bad as an old Gem.

[ccdjg]

Hopefully,not as bad as an old Gem.

But will you still be firing on all cylinders?

[ccdjg]

Thank you! Mystery solved. Where did Mr. Aitkins write this up?

There is a nice account in the March 2011 edition of Airgunner.

[mrto]

But will you still be firing on all cylinders?

Very good!