Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

Ganus Brothers Quartet. side 1: Have a Sunny Smile; side 2: Rejoice In God (Columbia 15390-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ganus Brothers Quartet. side 1: Have a Sunny Smile; side 2: Rejoice In God (Columbia 15390-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
recording artist
Ganus Brothers Quartette
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.16517
label number
15390-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.16517
Ma Rainey. side 1: Dream Blues; side 2: Lost Wandering Blues (Paramount 12098).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ma Rainey. side 1: Dream Blues; side 2: Lost Wandering Blues (Paramount 12098).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1924
recording artist
Rainey, Ma
manufacturer
Paramount
ID Number
1996.0320.17581
accession number
1996.0320
maker number
12098
catalog number
1996.0320.17581
Bush Brothers. side 1: Keep Your Light Shining; side 2: The Pathway (Columbia 15524-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Bush Brothers. side 1: Keep Your Light Shining; side 2: The Pathway (Columbia 15524-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
recording artist
Bush Brothers
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.12594
collector/donor number
9149
maker number
15524-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.12594
The Deal Family. side 1: The Home Coming Week; side 2: Where Shall I Be (Columbia 15670-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Deal Family. side 1: The Home Coming Week; side 2: Where Shall I Be (Columbia 15670-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
recording artist
Deal Family
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.15145
collector/donor number
10599
maker number
15670-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.15145
This cornet was made by the New York Musical Instrument Co. in New York, New York around 1919-1921. It is a “long model” B-flat/A cornet, Regal model serial #4171, made of silver plated brass with 3 Périnet piston valves and has a quick change slide.
Description

This cornet was made by the New York Musical Instrument Co. in New York, New York around 1919-1921. It is a “long model” B-flat/A cornet, Regal model serial #4171, made of silver plated brass with 3 Périnet piston valves and has a quick change slide. This cornet is accessioned with an original rectangular wooden case covered with black leatherette and lined with green plush and satin. This cornet is engraved:

THE REGAL
NEW
YORK
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT
CO.

The New York Musical instrument Co, started as dealers and importers in 1915 and later changed the name to the New York Band Instrument Co. By 1950, the company was out of business.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919-1921
maker
New York Musical Instrument Co.
ID Number
1985.0017.12
accession number
1985.0017
catalog number
1985.0017.12
This sheet music is for the song “Happy Days Are Here Again,” with music by Milton Ager and words by Jack Yellen. It was published by Ager, Yellen and Brownstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Happy Days Are Here Again,” with music by Milton Ager and words by Jack Yellen. It was published by Ager, Yellen and Brownstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. The song was featured in the 1930 Metro-Goldwyn Pre-Code romantic musical film Chasing Rainbows, directed by Charles Reisner and starred Bessie Love and Charles King, Jack Benny, Marie Dressler, and Eddie Phillips.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
publisher
Ager, Yellen & Bornstein Inc.
ID Number
1984.1117.13
accession number
1984.1117
catalog number
1984.1117.13
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.27, “In the Gloaming.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.27, “In the Gloaming.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.028
maker number
No. 27
catalog number
66.196.028
accession number
271968
Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).78 rpm.
Description

Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1925 and released on Gennett 3134.

Silvertone Records was a record label sold by the Sears-Roebuck Company in their stores and through mail-order. The discs were manufactured mainly by Columbia Records, with some made by Paramount Records and Gennett Records, from 1916-1928 and 1940-1941.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1925
recording artist
Dalhart, Vernon
manufacturer
Silvertone
ID Number
1996.0320.14491
collector/donor number
256
maker number
3134
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.14491
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0694.15
accession number
1983.0694
catalog number
1983.0694.15
This sheet music is for the song “Pagan Love Song.” The song’s lyrics were written by Arthur Freed and the music was composed by Nacio Herb Brown. The sheet music was published by the Robbins Music Corporation in 1929.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Pagan Love Song.” The song’s lyrics were written by Arthur Freed and the music was composed by Nacio Herb Brown. The sheet music was published by the Robbins Music Corporation in 1929. The cover features a background image of a reclining man playing a ukulele on the beach. There is a central inset photograph of Ramon Novarro who starred in the MGM movie, The Pagan on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
performer
Novarro, Ramon
publisher
Robbins Music Corporation
ID Number
1983.0424.053
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.053
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.143, "Poland's National Song." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.143, "Poland's National Song." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.143
catalog number
66.196.143
accession number
271968
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.40, “Nights of Gladness.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.40, “Nights of Gladness.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.041
catalog number
66.196.041
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 40
Mack Allen. side 1: A Warning to Boys; side 2: A Warning to Girls (Harmony 729-H)78 rpmMack Allen is a pseudonym on Harmony for Vernon Dalhart.Harmony Records was a division of Columbia Records from 1925 to 1932.
Description

Mack Allen. side 1: A Warning to Boys; side 2: A Warning to Girls (Harmony 729-H)
78 rpm

Mack Allen is a pseudonym on Harmony for Vernon Dalhart.

Harmony Records was a division of Columbia Records from 1925 to 1932. It was a budget label that was comprised of original recordings identical to that of Columbia’s other budget labels, Velvet Tone Records and Diva Records.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
recording artist
Allen, Mack
Dalhart, Vernon
manufacturer
Harmony
ID Number
1996.0320.10445
collector/donor number
12912
maker number
729-H
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10445
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.55, “Jingle Bells.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.55, “Jingle Bells.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.056
catalog number
66.196.056
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 55
This violin was made by Victor Carroll Squier of Michigan in 1925. Victor Squier established a violin and string manufacturing company in Battle Creek, Michigan and was known as “the American Stradivarius” for his high-quality work.
Description
This violin was made by Victor Carroll Squier of Michigan in 1925. Victor Squier established a violin and string manufacturing company in Battle Creek, Michigan and was known as “the American Stradivarius” for his high-quality work. This violin was made for his niece Olive, for her high school graduation. The violin was played by Olive until the varnish wore off and she purchased a new violin in 1962. She continued to perform until 1990 but rarely used the Squier violin again.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1925
maker
Squier, Victor Carroll
ID Number
2002.0275.01
accession number
2002.0275
catalog number
2002.0275.01
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.149, "Norwegian National Hymn." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.149, "Norwegian National Hymn." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.149
catalog number
66.196.149
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 149
This flute was made by an unknown naker in Yugoslavia, around 1900-1920. It is a duct flute made of ebony with pewter ferrules. There are 6 fingerholes.Currently not on view
Description
This flute was made by an unknown naker in Yugoslavia, around 1900-1920. It is a duct flute made of ebony with pewter ferrules. There are 6 fingerholes.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1900-1920
ID Number
MI.382519
accession number
161412
catalog number
382519
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.68, “That Old Girl of Mine.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.68, “That Old Girl of Mine.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.068
catalog number
66.196.068
accession number
271968
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, in 1924. This music chart is for chart No. 156, "Bosstone Transposing Series Key of F - One Flat." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, in 1924. This music chart is for chart No. 156, "Bosstone Transposing Series Key of F - One Flat." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
ID Number
MI.66.196.156
catalog number
66.196.156
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 156
This sheet music is for the song, “I’m Tellin’ the Birds – Tellin’the Bees (How I Love You),” by Cliff Friend and Lew Brown. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.
Description

This sheet music is for the song, “I’m Tellin’ the Birds – Tellin’the Bees (How I Love You),” by Cliff Friend and Lew Brown. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926. There is an inset image of pianist Franz Rath on the cover.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and illustrator Sydney Lefkowitz (Leff) (1901-2005). Leff began his career as a commercial artist while he was still in high school. He would produce sheet music covers through the 1940s and subsequently moved on to generating advertising for Madison Avenue clients.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0914.08
accession number
1987.0914
catalog number
1987.0914.08
This sheet music is for the song “Hold Me” that was written and composed by Art Hickman and Ben Black. The song was featured in the 1920 revue of “Ziegfeld Follies” that was produced by Edward Royce at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Hold Me” that was written and composed by Art Hickman and Ben Black. The song was featured in the 1920 revue of “Ziegfeld Follies” that was produced by Edward Royce at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. This sheet music was published by Jerome H. Remick & Co. in 1920. The cover features head shot photographs of “Ziegfeld Girls,” who were chorus members in the yearly revue show “Ziegfeld Follies” that was created by Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.042
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.042
This sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.
Description

This sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.

Belwin was formed in 1918 by music publishing employee Max Winkler (1888-1965), film-maker Max Winkler (1875-1961), and publisher of original composition and arrangements for silent cinema S.M. Berg. The name Belwin was created by combining the surnames of Berg and Winkler.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
composer
Brinkmann, M.
publisher
Belwin Inc.
ID Number
1984.0568.39
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.39
This case was made by an unknown maker in the United States, 1920s. It is made of fiberboard, with metal fittings, leather covered handle, and green plush interior.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This case was made by an unknown maker in the United States, 1920s. It is made of fiberboard, with metal fittings, leather covered handle, and green plush interior.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
ID Number
1989.0679.01.01
catalog number
1989.0679.01.01
accession number
1989.0679
This violin was made by Albert Moglie in Washington, DC in 1923. It is patterned after instruments made by Venetian luthier, Sanctus Serephin (1699-1776).Albert Moglie (b. Dec. 16, 1890, Rome; d.
Description

This violin was made by Albert Moglie in Washington, DC in 1923. It is patterned after instruments made by Venetian luthier, Sanctus Serephin (1699-1776).

Albert Moglie (b. Dec. 16, 1890, Rome; d. June 9, 1988, Washington DC) operated a violin shop in Washington DC for 65 years from 1922 until 1987. At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to Antonio Sgarbi; he then worked under Luigi Enbergher, Giuseppe Rossi and Rodolfo Fredi, all of Rome. He later was a student of Hippolyte Sylvestre in Paris and Leandro Bisiach in Milan.

Albert Moglie came to America at the age of 24 to work for the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, first in Cincinnati and then New York City in 1916. By 1917 he had established his own shop in New York at 1431 Broadway. He moved to Washington DC in 1922.

Moglie enjoyed a fine reputation in Washington as a violin restorer, and is especially remembered as the caretaker of the Gertrude Clark Whittall Stradivari quartet of instruments at the Library of Congress, an association that began in the 1930s and lasted more than 50 years.

The Smithsonian, National Museum of American History, Archives Center houses additional materials on the life and career of Albert F. Moglie:

Albert F. Moglie Violinist and Violin-Making Collection

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
maker
Moglie, Albert
ID Number
1988.0749.01
accession number
1988.0749
catalog number
1988.0749.01

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