X0201 5 2003-12-31 0 0 0 0000040417 GENERAL AMERICAN INVESTORS CO INC GAM 0001215921 DESTAEBLER EUGENE L JR C/O GENERAL AMERICAN INVESTORS CO INC 450 LEXINGTON AVE STE 3300 NEW YORK NY 10017 0 1 0 0 Vice-President, Administration Common Stock 2003-12-23 5 J 0 76 29.07 A 4538 D Common Stock 2003-12-23 5 J 0 9 29.07 A 575 I By Spouse Common Stock 2003-12-31 5 J 0 5101 A 192500 I By Thrift Plan Trust Shares received in payment of dividends. The securities reported herein were acquired on a periodic basis in open market transactions at the then prevailing market prices pursuant to the Issuer's Employees' Thrift Plan. The information is based upon a statement of 12/31/03 issued by the Plan Administrator. By Issuer's Employees' Thrift Plan Trust. The undersigned disclaims any beneficial interest in these shares. /s/Eugene Lucas DeStaebler, Jr. 2004-01-23