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: 1920s

Tin Pan Fretless Banjo

This banjo was made by an unknown maker in the United States around 1880-1920. It is a Four-String banjo made from a tin pan. The neck appears to be commercially made. There are four Grover tuning pegs. Stamped on tuning peg rings:GROVERPAT. PEND.Currently not on view
Description

This banjo was made by an unknown maker in the United States around 1880-1920. It is a Four-String banjo made from a tin pan. The neck appears to be commercially made. There are four Grover tuning pegs. Stamped on tuning peg rings:

GROVER
PAT. PEND.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1920
ID Number
1981.0530.09
accession number
1981.0530
catalog number
1981.0530.09

"'O Sole Mio"

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.120, “'O Solo Mio.” 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.120, “'O Solo Mio.” 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.66.196.120
catalog number
66.196.120
accession number
271968

"Looking at the World Thru Rose Colored Glasses"

This sheet music is for the song, “Looking At the World Thru Rose Colored Glasses,” by Tommy Malie and Jimmy Steiger. It was published by Milton Weil Music Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1926.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Looking At the World Thru Rose Colored Glasses,” by Tommy Malie and Jimmy Steiger. It was published by Milton Weil Music Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1926. There is an inset image of vaudevillian Corinne Arbuckle on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Milton Weil Music Co. Inc.
ID Number
1988.0538.03
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.03

“Worried About You”

This sheet music for the song "Worried About You” was written by John Steel and composed by Mabel Stapleton. The music was published by the Burrhus Music Publishing Company in 1925. The cover notes that the song has been featured by Mr.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Worried About You” was written by John Steel and composed by Mabel Stapleton. The music was published by the Burrhus Music Publishing Company in 1925. The cover notes that the song has been featured by Mr. John Steel, calling him “America’s Celebrated Tenor.” The cover has an illustration of a man in front of a fireplace, with the flame rising and turning into the face of the woman on his mind.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Burrhus Music Publishing Company
ID Number
1982.0439.14
catalog number
1982.0439.14
accession number
1982.0439

"Just a Baby's Prayer At Twilight"

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.61, “Just a Baby's Prayer At Twilight.” 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.61, “Just a Baby's Prayer At Twilight.” 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.66.196.062
catalog number
66.196.062
accession number
271968

“I'll See You in My Dreams”

This sheet music is for the song “I'll See You in My Dreams.” Gus Kahn wrote the lyrics to the song and Isham Jones composed the music. Leo Feist, Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “I'll See You in My Dreams.” Gus Kahn wrote the lyrics to the song and Isham Jones composed the music. Leo Feist, Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924. The cove has an illustration of a flapper-style girl gazing coquettishly at the viewer. There is an inset photograph of Ralph Williams in the lower left, who would have featured the song in his performances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
performer
Williams, Ralph
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.135
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.135

"Ring the Bells of Heaven"

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.43, “Ring the Bells of Heaven.” 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.43, “Ring the Bells of Heaven.” 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.66.196.044
catalog number
66.196.044
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 43

"Sweet and Low"

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.137, "Sweet and Low." 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.137, "Sweet and Low." 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.66.196.137
catalog number
66.196.137
accession number
271968

"Bye Bye Blackbird"

This sheet music is for the song “Bye Bye Blackbird,” with lyrics by Mort Dixon and music by Ray Henderson. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Company in 1924. The cover features an image of guitar duo Earl and Bell [Earl Williams and Francis La Bella].Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Bye Bye Blackbird,” with lyrics by Mort Dixon and music by Ray Henderson. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Company in 1924. The cover features an image of guitar duo Earl and Bell [Earl Williams and Francis La Bella].
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1984.1117.07
accession number
1984.1117
catalog number
1984.1117.07

"We're Tenting To-night"

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.113, “We're Tenting To-night.” 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.113, “We're Tenting To-night.” 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.66.196.113
catalog number
66.196.113
accession number
271968

"Let Me Call You Sweetheart"

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.33, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” 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.33, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” 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.66.196.034
catalog number
66.196.034
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 33

"I'll See You in C-U-B-A"

This sheet music is for the song “I’ll See You in C-U-B-A,” by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1920.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “I’ll See You in C-U-B-A,” by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1920. The cover illustration shows a woman in a tilted pose dressed in a green skirt and red shawl around her waist, wearing a red bandana.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0691.10
accession number
1983.0691
catalog number
1983.0691.10

"Just Before the Battle Mother"

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.100, “Just Before the Battle Mother.” 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.100, “Just Before the Battle Mother.” 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.66.196.100
catalog number
66.196.100
accession number
271968

“I Wonder What's Become of Sally”

This sheet music is for the song “I Wonder What's Become of Sally” with lyrics written by Jack Yellen and music composed by Milton Ager. Ager, Yellen, and Bornstein Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “I Wonder What's Become of Sally” with lyrics written by Jack Yellen and music composed by Milton Ager. Ager, Yellen, and Bornstein Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924. The cover’s illustration is signed by Perrer, and there is an inset photograph of Gus Van and Joe Schenck in the center of the cover. Van & Schenck were a vaudevillian singer and comedy duo who were very popular in the early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
publisher
Ager, Yellen & Bornstein Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.168
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.168

"If I Had a Girl Like You"

This sheet music is for the song “If I Had A Girl Like You,” by Billy Rose, Mort Dixon, and Ray Henderson. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Co. in New York, New York, in 1925.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “If I Had A Girl Like You,” by Billy Rose, Mort Dixon, and Ray Henderson. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Co. in New York, New York, in 1925. The cover features a drawing of a woman and an inset image of Eddie Chester.

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
1925
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1983.0830.15
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.15

"Just As the Sun Went Down"

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.116, “Just As the Sun Went Down.” 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.116, “Just As the Sun Went Down.” 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.66.196.116
catalog number
66.196.116
accession number
271968

"I Wonder What's Become of Sally?"

This sheet music is for the song “I Wonder What’s Become of Sally?” with words by Jack Allen and music by Milton Ager. It was published by Ager, Yeller, and Bornstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1924.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “I Wonder What’s Become of Sally?” with words by Jack Allen and music by Milton Ager. It was published by Ager, Yeller, and Bornstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1924. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
depicted (sitter)
Jolson, Al
publisher
Ager, Yellen & Bornstein Inc.
ID Number
1984.0458.12
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.12

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2594

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1926-1927. It is Roll #2594, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1926-1927. It is Roll #2594, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2594 - Hand Played Popular Roll
10858: How Many Times (fox trot), Irving Berlin, copyright 1926, Irving Berlin
10859: Broken Hearted Sue (fox trot), Dailey Paskman, Green & DeRose, copyright 1926, Broadway Music Co.
10860: School Day Sweethearts (waltz), Glen Edwards, copyright 1926, Sherman Clay & Co.
10861: The Pump Song (fox trot), Lerner-Fields & Whiting, copyright 1926, Shapiro Bernstein Co.
10862: Sweet Thing (fox trot), Ralph Williams, Herman Kahn & Joe Verges, copyright 1926, Ted Browne

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1926-1927
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.15
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.15
maker number
2594

"Where Is My Wandering Boy To-night"

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.87, “Where Is My Wandering Boy To-night.” 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.87, “Where Is My Wandering Boy To-night.” 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.66.196.087
catalog number
66.196.087
accession number
271968

"Almost Persuaded"

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.118, “Almost Persuaded.” 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.118, “Almost Persuaded.” 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.66.196.118
catalog number
66.196.118
accession number
271968

William S. Haynes Boehm System Flute

This flute was made by William S. Haynes in Boston, Massachusetts in 1920. It is a Boehm System flute, serial #5874, made of silver and accessioned with an original case. This flute is engraved:THE HAYNES FLUTEMFD BYWM. S. HAYNES CO.BOSTON MASS5874PATENTEDWilliam S.
Description

This flute was made by William S. Haynes in Boston, Massachusetts in 1920. It is a Boehm System flute, serial #5874, made of silver and accessioned with an original case. This flute is engraved:

THE HAYNES FLUTE
MFD BY
WM. S. HAYNES CO.
BOSTON MASS
5874
PATENTED

William S. Haynes (1864-1939) received United States Patent #1,119,954 on December 8, 1914 for “Improvements in musical wind instruments such as flutes, saxophones, piccolos and the like.”

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1920
maker
Haynes, William S.
ID Number
1982.0511.01
accession number
1982.0511
catalog number
1982.0511.01

Cornet Case

This cornet case was made by Emil K. Blessing in Elkhart, Indiana, 1915-1925. It is made of wood and fiberboard, covered with brown-stained leather, metal fittings, leather-covered handle, and red plush interior.
Description

This cornet case was made by Emil K. Blessing in Elkhart, Indiana, 1915-1925. It is made of wood and fiberboard, covered with brown-stained leather, metal fittings, leather-covered handle, and red plush interior. There is a metal “Blessing” badge on the top of the case.

Accessioned with Blessing cornet (1990.0290.01). The cornet, with case, was previously owned and used by the donors’ father, Francis Morton Messick (1908-1969).

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915-1925
maker
Blessing, Emil K.
ID Number
1990.0290.01.01
catalog number
1990.0290.01.01
accession number
1990.0290

Anchors Aweigh; All Hands

United States Navy Band. side 1: Anchors Aweigh; side 2: All Hands (Victor 21296).78 rpm. This record is not part of the original Victor P 32 set. The correct record is Victor 26672.Currently not on view
Description
United States Navy Band. side 1: Anchors Aweigh; side 2: All Hands (Victor 21296).
78 rpm. This record is not part of the original Victor P 32 set. The correct record is Victor 26672.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1940
recording artist
United States Navy Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.19
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
21296
catalog number
1988.0384.19
maker number
P 32

Gibson Tenor Banjo, used by Vivian Hayes

This banjo was made by the Gibson, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1927.
Description

This banjo was made by the Gibson, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1927. It is a Four-String Tenor Banjo, Mastertone TB-5 Model, short neck, serial number 8693-1, with black walnut shell, black walnut neck, rosewood fingerboard with iridescent ivoroid and marquetry strippings, inlay of white pearl designs, similar ornamentation applied to peghead, 4:1 geared pegs with pearl buttons, electrical lights inside the head, gold-tone metal parts, and a laminated and arched flange resonator with marquetry and ivoroid inlays.

This banjo was custom made for vaudevillian performer Vivian Chenoweth Hayes with jeweled accents on the peghead and inscribed with “Vivian.”

Vivian Hayes toured with her husband Ed Hayes and sister Frances as "Ed Hayes and His Banjo Girls" from 1927-1930.

As indicated in a 1926 Gibson Banjo Catalog testimonial: “The new Gison Mastertone Tenor-banjo is assuredly a marvel instrument. Its snappy tone, coupled with the rich tonal qualities and its ease of playing, make it an instrument which can be used for all purposes – dance, radio and concert.”

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
user
Hayes, Vivian Chenoweth
maker
Gibson, Inc.
ID Number
1992.0481.01
accession number
1992.0481
catalog number
1992.0481.01

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