Music & Musical Instruments

Jesse Fuller's Silvertone Guitar

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.

Date: 1900s

“There's One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again”

This sheet music for the song “There’s One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again” was written and composed by Raymond A. Browne and published by Sol Bloom of New York, New York in 1903. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on May 10, 1903.
Description
This sheet music for the song “There’s One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again” was written and composed by Raymond A. Browne and published by Sol Bloom of New York, New York in 1903. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on May 10, 1903. The cover has an illustration of a young woman holding the bloom of a rose on a rosebush in her hands.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
composer
Browne, Raymond A.
publisher
Sol Bloom
ID Number
1982.0440.63
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.63

"Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 15-1/2” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1901-1902
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.12
catalog number
378567.12
accession number
144168

"Home Sweet Home"

This sheet music is for the song “Home Sweet Home,” written by H. R. Bishop. It was published by Eclipse Publishing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Home Sweet Home,” written by H. R. Bishop. It was published by Eclipse Publishing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1907
publisher
Eclipse Publishing Company
ID Number
1985.0808.03
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.03

Studio Brand Pitch Pipe

This pitch pipe was made by an undetermined maker in Germany, early 1900s. It has 10 single holes and 10 reeds. This pitch pipe has a red-brown wooden comb with a metal cover plate attached with screws.
Description

This pitch pipe was made by an undetermined maker in Germany, early 1900s. It has 10 single holes and 10 reeds. This pitch pipe has a red-brown wooden comb with a metal cover plate attached with screws. It is marked:

Studio Brand
Perfect
A – 440 Pitch
MADE IN GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 1900s
ID Number
1988.0783.413
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.413

Duct Flute

This duct flute was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 19th century. It is made of birch, with 6 fingerholes.Currently not on view
Description
This duct flute was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 19th century. It is made of birch, with 6 fingerholes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
MI.65.0622
accession number
1991.0406
catalog number
65.0622

"Trinity (Sacred Intermezzo)"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1904-1906. It is Regina Disc #4657 - "Trinity (Sacred Intermezzo)," by Theodore Moses Tobani.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1904-1906. It is Regina Disc #4657 - "Trinity (Sacred Intermezzo)," by Theodore Moses Tobani. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1904-1906
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.72.26.51
accession number
299195
catalog number
72.26.51
maker number
4657

Duct Flute

This duct flute wade made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 19th century. It is made of maple, with 6 fingerholes.Currently not on view
Description
This duct flute wade made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 19th century. It is made of maple, with 6 fingerholes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
MI.65.0621
accession number
1991.0406
catalog number
65.0621

"Smokey Mokes"

This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1899-1900. It is Stella Disc #579 - "Smokey Mokes," by Abraham "Abe" Holzmann ...
Description

This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1899-1900. It is Stella Disc #579 - "Smokey Mokes," by Abraham "Abe" Holzmann ... This disc is playable in Mermod Freres music box models, #63, #84, #126, #168, and #268, which can accommodate 17-1/4” diameter discs.

According to the accession correspondence, the music box and accompanying discs were purchased by the donor in Worcester, Massachusetts, July 25. 1901

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1899-1900
maker
Mermod Freres
ID Number
MI.381443.44
catalog number
381443.44
accession number
159680

“It Must Have Been Svengali in Disguise”

This sheet music for the song “It Must Have Been Svengali in Disguise” was written by Vincent Bryan and composed by Harry von Tilzer. The music was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. of New York, New York in 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “It Must Have Been Svengali in Disguise” was written by Vincent Bryan and composed by Harry von Tilzer. The music was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The music was from the show “The Wild Rose,” and appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, November 9, 1902. The cover is divided in half with one side featuring a photograph of vaudevillian actor Eddie Foy being hugged by a woman, the other side is an illustration of a tall sinister man, intended to be Svengali.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer
Von Tilzer, Harry
lyricist
Bryan, Vincent P.
publisher
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.24
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.24

Cornet Case

This cornet case was made by an unknown maker in Europe, 1880-1890. It is made of wood, painted black, with metal fittings, with a red fabric interior.Accessioned with cornet (1990.0322.01). This cornet, with case, was used by Fritz A.
Description

This cornet case was made by an unknown maker in Europe, 1880-1890. It is made of wood, painted black, with metal fittings, with a red fabric interior.

Accessioned with cornet (1990.0322.01). This cornet, with case, was used by Fritz A. Blomberg (1864-1938), who immigrated from Kristinsham, Sweden to the United States on the Prussian Line, with ports of departure from Glasgow, Scotland and Moville and Galway, Ireland. The ship arrived in Boston on July 25, 1892. Passenger and Crew lists for the Prussian Line indicate that Fritz A. Blomberg could read and write and his occupation was a cigar maker. Blomberg received his American citizenship on November 25, 1903. According to relatives, Fritz A. Blomberg was prominent in music circles in the Boston area.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1900
ID Number
1990.0322.01.01
catalog number
1990.0322.01.01
accession number
1990.0322

“Mammie's Pickaninny Boy”

This sheet music for the song “Mammie’s Pickaninny Boy” was written and composed by Raymond A. Brown and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on January 4, 1903.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Mammie’s Pickaninny Boy” was written and composed by Raymond A. Brown and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on January 4, 1903. The cover of the sheet music features a pencil drawing a young black boy, signed on the lower right by “Drake.” The term “pickaninny” was a 19th century slang term for a small African American child.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer; lyricist
Browne, Raymond A.
publisher
Howley, Haviland, and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.58
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.58

Folk-Dance Music

This music book Folk-Dance Music was published by G. Schirmer in New York, New York in 1908.
Description

This music book Folk-Dance Music was published by G. Schirmer in New York, New York in 1908. Printed on the front of the music book:

FOLK-DANCE MUSIC
A COLLECTION OF
SEVENTY-SIX CHARACTERISTIC
DANCES OF THE PEOPLE OF
VARIOUS NATIONS
ADAPTED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND
PLAYGROUNDS FOR PHYSICAL
EDUCATION AND PLAY.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
publisher
G. Schirmer, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0961.01
accession number
1986.0961
catalog number
1986.0961.01

C.G. Conn Boehm System Flute

This flute was made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Indiana in 1905. It is a Boehm System flute, serial #9801, made of silver and gold plate with gold plated keys and an ebonite head joint with mother-of-pearl dots on the sides of the embouchure. This flute is engraved:MADE BYC.G.
Description

This flute was made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Indiana in 1905. It is a Boehm System flute, serial #9801, made of silver and gold plate with gold plated keys and an ebonite head joint with mother-of-pearl dots on the sides of the embouchure. This flute is engraved:

MADE BY
C.G. CONN
ELKHART
IND.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1905
maker
C. G. Conn
ID Number
1985.0016.28
accession number
1985.0016
catalog number
1985.0016.28

"Indianola"

This sheet music is for the song “Indianola,” with lyrics by Frank H. Warren and music by S. R. Henry and D. Onivas. It was published by Joseph W.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Indianola,” with lyrics by Frank H. Warren and music by S. R. Henry and D. Onivas. It was published by Joseph W. Stern and Company in New York, New York in 1908.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by brothers William Starmer (1872-1957) and Frederick Starmer (1878-1962) Born and raised in England, the brothers moved with their family to New York, William in 1898 and Frederick in 1899. The Starmer Brothers flourished until 1929. William became a U.S. citizen in 1924, while Frederick returned to England in 1929.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
publisher
Joseph W. Stern and Company
ID Number
1983.0692.11
accession number
1983.0692
catalog number
1983.0692.11

"My Irish Maid"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1905-1907. It is Regina Disc #4660 - "My Irish Maid," with lyrics by George V. Hobart and music by Max Hoffmann.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1905-1907. It is Regina Disc #4660 - "My Irish Maid," with lyrics by George V. Hobart and music by Max Hoffmann. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1905-1907
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.72.26.52
catalog number
72.26.52
accession number
299195
maker number
4660

Svirka (Pistjalka) Flute

This flute was made by an unknown maker in Bulgaria, 19th century. It is a svirka (pistjalka) flute, made of birch. This flute has 6 fingerholes.Currently not on view
Description
This flute was made by an unknown maker in Bulgaria, 19th century. It is a svirka (pistjalka) flute, made of birch. This flute has 6 fingerholes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
MI.095683
accession number
27843
catalog number
95683

I've Got Rings On My Fingers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1909
depicted (sitter)
Ring, Blanche
maker
T. B. Harms and Francis, Day & Hunter
ID Number
2018.3010.245
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.245

Celestina or Mandolina Music Roll #4013

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00.
Description

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Yankee Doodle
When Johnny comes marching home
We won’t go home till morning
Upidee

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.16
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.16

Gourd Folk Fiddle

This folk fiddle was made in St. Mary's County, Maryland in the 19th century by an unknown maker. This fiddle and its accompanying bow are probably from the black slave cultural tradition of the American plantation.
Description
This folk fiddle was made in St. Mary's County, Maryland in the 19th century by an unknown maker. This fiddle and its accompanying bow are probably from the black slave cultural tradition of the American plantation. The instrument is made with a skin top nailed to a gourd body, and was recovered from an outbuilding of a large estate in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. This folk fiddle is made of a table of hide fastened with fifty-five iron nails to the gourd body which has two “slit” soundholes, neck of walnut with pegbox and four ash pegs, and a hardwood fingerboard and bone nut. The bow made for the fiddle is modeled after classical bow design.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
ID Number
MI.75.44
accession number
316462
catalog number
75.44

“The Coldest Coon in Town”

This sheet music for the song “The Coldest Coon in Town” was written by Andrew B. Sterling and composed by Harry Von Tilzer. The song was originally published by W. C. Dunn and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “The Coldest Coon in Town” was written by Andrew B. Sterling and composed by Harry Von Tilzer. The song was originally published by W. C. Dunn and Co. of New York, New York in 1899, and republished as a supplement to the “New York Herald Supplement” on March 16, 1902. The sheet features an illustration of a caricatured black man ice skating on ice that is cracking.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
lyricist
Sterling, Andrew B.
composer
Von Tilzer, Harry
publisher
W. C. Dunn and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.45
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.45

“Sweet Red Roses”

This sheet music for the song “Sweet Red Roses” was written by Effie Genee and composed by R. M. Stults. The music was originally published by William A. Pond and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Sweet Red Roses” was written by Effie Genee and composed by R. M. Stults. The music was originally published by William A. Pond and Co. of New York, New York in 1900, but this sheet music was published as a supplement to the New York Herald on June 7, 1903. The cover features an image of roses in a vase. Newspapers would often include these supplements in their Sunday editions to boost sales because of the popularity of sheet music during this time.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1900
publisher
William A. Pond & Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.03
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.03

“Ma Honey Gal”

This sheet music for the song “Ma Honey Gal” was written and composed by James Davis and published by the Shapiro-Bernstein-Von Tilzer Company of New York, New York in 1900. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald Supplement” on April 13, 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Ma Honey Gal” was written and composed by James Davis and published by the Shapiro-Bernstein-Von Tilzer Company of New York, New York in 1900. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald Supplement” on April 13, 1902. The sheet music has an image of a well-dressed black woman batting her eyelashes. This is an example of a “coon song,” a genre of songs that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th century that stereotyped and caricatured blacks.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer; lyricist
Davis, James H.
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein and Von Tilzer
ID Number
1982.0440.37
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.37

Five-String Fretless Banjo

This banjo was made by an unknown maker in the United States during the second half of the nineteenth century. It is a Five-String Banjo, with a wood shell, and friction pegs.
Description
This banjo was made by an unknown maker in the United States during the second half of the nineteenth century. It is a Five-String Banjo, with a wood shell, and friction pegs. The head of the banjo is painted with a scene depicting an African-American man and woman and a yellow squash plant. The head is fastened with decorative nails.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850 - 1900
late 19th century
ID Number
MI.381927
catalog number
381927
accession number
160028

"Whistling Rufus"

This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1899-1900. It is Stella Disc #521 - "Whistling Rufus," by Kerry Mills.
Description

This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1899-1900. It is Stella Disc #521 - "Whistling Rufus," by Kerry Mills. This disc is playable in Mermod Freres music box models, #63, #84, #126, #168, and #268, which can accommodate 17-1/4” diameter discs.

According to the accession correspondence, the music box and accompanying discs were purchased by the donor in Worcester, Massachusetts, July 25. 1901

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1899-1900
maker
Mermod Freres
ID Number
MI.381443.23
catalog number
381443.23
accession number
159680

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