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Thread: Gaggenau GEM in a box

  1. #1
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    Gaggenau GEM in a box

    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

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    Quote Originally Posted by ogilkes View Post
    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?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Garvin View Post
    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
    Last edited by ogilkes; 21-11-2021 at 09:52 PM.

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    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    Quote Originally Posted by ogilkes View Post
    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.
    Last edited by ccdjg; 22-11-2021 at 09:39 AM.

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    harry mac is offline You can't say muntjack without saying mmmmm
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    Gagenau Eisenwerke und Metalfabriken. "GEM". Even if it's not, it should be
    The South of England has 2 good things, the M1 and the A1. Both will take you to Yorkshire.

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    Quote Originally Posted by harry mac View Post
    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.
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    Thought it was because a lot of this type of rifle were poor performers, and these were looked upon as the best.

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    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.

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    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    Quote Originally Posted by mrto View Post
    Shame most of 'em look bloody awful now.
    How do you think you might look when you are over a hundred?

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    Quote Originally Posted by harry mac View Post
    Gagenau Eisenwerke und Metalfabriken. "GEM". Even if it's not, it should be

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

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    Quote Originally Posted by ccdjg View Post
    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?

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    Quote Originally Posted by ccdjg View Post
    How do you think you might look when you are over a hundred?

    Hopefully,not as bad as an old Gem.

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    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    Quote Originally Posted by mrto View Post
    Hopefully,not as bad as an old Gem.
    But will you still be firing on all cylinders?

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    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    Quote Originally Posted by ogilkes View Post
    Thank you! Mystery solved. Where did Mr. Aitkins write this up?
    There is a nice account in the March 2011 edition of Airgunner.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ccdjg View Post
    But will you still be firing on all cylinders?

    Very good!

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