Kodak Gem Airbrush — Serial Number

🔍 Decoding the Mystery: Kodak Gem Airbrush Serial Numbers

🔹 Look on the brass body near the trigger mechanism or on the underside of the color cup.

#restoration #kodakgem

Help dating a Kodak Gem Airbrush - Serial number inside

If you have a box, the serial number on the box must match the airbrush body to be considered "all original."

I’m trying to narrow down the manufacturing year. The serial number is .

🔹 Most Kodak Gems have a serial number starting with "S" (e.g., S 12456). This likely stands for "Spray" or "Small."

I know Kodak didn't keep great records for these specific airbrushes (made by the Chandler & Price or Passche? debate rages on), but I’m hoping the hive mind can help.

🔹 Instead of a serial number lookup, use the logo : - Early (1915-1920): "Kodak" inside a diamond shape. - Late (1920s): "Kodak" in a simple rectangle.

"PSA for vintage airbrush hunters: Don't rely on a 'serial number decoder' for the Kodak Gem. They don't exist publicly. Instead, use the logo style (diamond vs rectangle) to date your Gem. The 'S' prefix just means 'spray.' #kodakgem #vintagetools" Unlike Kodak cameras (where you can date by lens board), the Gem airbrush was a third-party product (originally designed by Passche, sold by Kodak). Kodak treated serial numbers as internal inventory codes, not historical markers. Most records were destroyed after WWII.

The Kodak Gem (1915-1920s) is a holy grail for vintage retouching artists and camera collectors. But unlike later Kodak products, the serial numbers on these brass beauties can be confusing.

Do you own one of these antique beauties? Drop the first 3 digits of your serial number in the comments! 👇

🔹 Unlike cameras, Kodak did not release a public serial number-to-date chart for the Gem airbrush. The numbers were likely batch-specific.

Just picked up this beautiful brass Kodak Gem airbrush from an estate sale. The patina is gorgeous and it still holds pressure!

Thanks in advance!