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.

Place: Massachusetts

"The Marseilles"

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.71, “The Marseilles.” 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.71, “The Marseilles.” 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.66.196.071
catalog number
66.196.071
accession number
271968

Allen Soprano Saxhorn

This saxhorn was made by J. Lathrop Allen in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1853-1856. It is an E-flat saxhorn made of German silver, with 4 Allen-type valves. Embossed on a metal shield:MANUFACTURED BYJ. LATHROP ALLENNo. 17HARVARD PLACEBOSTONCurrently not on view
Description

This saxhorn was made by J. Lathrop Allen in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1853-1856. It is an E-flat saxhorn made of German silver, with 4 Allen-type valves. Embossed on a metal shield:

MANUFACTURED BY
J. LATHROP ALLEN
No. 17
HARVARD PLACE
BOSTON

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853-1856
maker
Allen, J. Lathrop
ID Number
1982.0766.01
accession number
1982.0766
catalog number
1982.0766.01

"Auld Lang Syne"

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.121, “'Auld Lang Syne.” 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.121, “'Auld Lang Syne.” 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.66.196.121
catalog number
66.196.121
accession number
271968

“Dreaming of Mother and of Home Sweet Home”

This sheet music is for the song “Dreaming of Mother and of Home Sweet Home” that was written and composed by E.B. Holmes. The sheet music was published by The Colonial Music Publishing Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1906.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Dreaming of Mother and of Home Sweet Home” that was written and composed by E.B. Holmes. The sheet music was published by The Colonial Music Publishing Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1906. The cover is a black and white illustration of an elderly woman sitting by a fire.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
publisher
Colonial Music Publishing Company
ID Number
1983.0424.077
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.077

"Wedding March"

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.30, “Wedding March.” 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.30, “Wedding March.” 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.66.196.031
catalog number
66.196.031
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 30

"Little Bo-Peep"

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.109, “Little Bo-Peep.” 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.109, “Little Bo-Peep.” 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.66.196.109
catalog number
66.196.109
accession number
271968

"Rock-a-Bye Baby"

This sheet music for the song "Rock-a-Bye Baby,” is part of a compilation entitled “Songs of the Old Homestead.” It was published by Charles D. Blake and Company in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1887. The Old Homestead, was a play written by Denman Thompson in 1885.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Rock-a-Bye Baby,” is part of a compilation entitled “Songs of the Old Homestead.” It was published by Charles D. Blake and Company in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1887. The Old Homestead, was a play written by Denman Thompson in 1885. Thompson’s portrait is included on the lower left of the cover. The cover is a pencil sketch of a family gathered in the living room of an old homestead house, with a depiction of the character Uncle Joshua Whitcomb at the forefront.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1887
composer; lyricist
Canning, Effie I.
publisher
Chas. D. Blake & Co.
ID Number
1979.1154.01
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.01

Fiske E-Flat Cornet

This cornet was made by Isaac Fiske in Worcester, Massachusetts around 1868 to 1872. It is an E-flat cornet, in helicon form, made of nickel silver and has 3 string action rotary valves. This cornet is engraved:ISAAC FISKEMAKERWORCESTER MASSPATENTEDNov. 12. 1867.
Description

This cornet was made by Isaac Fiske in Worcester, Massachusetts around 1868 to 1872. It is an E-flat cornet, in helicon form, made of nickel silver and has 3 string action rotary valves. This cornet is engraved:

ISAAC FISKE
MAKER
WORCESTER MASS
PATENTED
Nov. 12. 1867. FEB.11.1868

This cornet features the following patents issued to Isaac Fiske:

United States Patent #70824, November 12, 1867 for an “Improvement in Crooks for Musical Instruments"

United States Patent #74331, February 11, 1868 for an “Improvement in Cornets, etc.”

Isaac Fiske (1820-1894) established his firm in 1842 in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1887, on his retirement, Fiske sold his company to G.C. Conn.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868-1872
maker
Fiske, Isaac
ID Number
MI.363090
accession number
117166
catalog number
363090

"Youthful Dreams"

This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1138 – “Youthful Dreams” by A. Zuleger.
Description

This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1138 – “Youthful Dreams” by A. Zuleger. 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
date made
1950s
ID Number
MI.73.01.18.11
catalog number
73.01.18.11
accession number
301414
maker number
1138
patent number
500374
417649

"It's a Long Way To Tipperary"

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.82, “It's A Long Way To Tipperary.” 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.82, “It's A Long Way To Tipperary.” 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.66.196.082
catalog number
66.196.082
accession number
271968

Blair & Baldwin Snare Drum

This snare drum was made by Blair and Baldwin in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1892-1893. It has a wood shell and skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 12 sets of metal hooks for rope which is laced through leather and metal tensioning ears.
Description (Brief)

This snare drum was made by Blair and Baldwin in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1892-1893. It has a wood shell and skin heads. The hoops are made of wood and have 12 sets of metal hooks for rope which is laced through leather and metal tensioning ears. The drum has a gut snare and a leather carrying strap. There is a printed label inside the shell that inscribed:

BLAIR AND BOSTON
Brighton district
BOSTON, MASS.

This drum was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1892-1893
ID Number
1984.0335.02
accession number
1984.0335
catalog number
1984.0335.02

"The Old Oaken Bucket"

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.38, “The Old Oaken Bucket.” 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.38, “The Old Oaken Bucket.” 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.66.196.039
catalog number
66.196.039
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 38

Osborne Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Osborne in Boston, Massachusetts around 1822-1824. Osborne, or sometimes spelled Osborn, was born in New England and from 1808-1814 studied with Boston piano maker Benjamin Crehore. In 1815, Osborne set up shop at the rear of 3 Newbury Street.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Osborne in Boston, Massachusetts around 1822-1824. Osborne, or sometimes spelled Osborn, was born in New England and from 1808-1814 studied with Boston piano maker Benjamin Crehore. In 1815, Osborne set up shop at the rear of 3 Newbury Street. After a brief partnership with James Stewart, Osborne moved to Boylston Market, where he remained until 1826. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings, first 5 notes are wound, tuning pins in rear, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1822-1829
maker
Osborne, John
ID Number
MI.315717
catalog number
315717
accession number
58488

Fiske B-Flat Cornet

This cornet was made by Isaac Fiske in Worcester, Massachusetts around 1873 to 1887. It is a B-flat cornet made of silver plated brass and has 3 piston (top) action string-operated rotary valves. The cornet is engraved:ISAAC FISKEMAKERWORCESTER MASSPATENTEDAPR.2973.
Description

This cornet was made by Isaac Fiske in Worcester, Massachusetts around 1873 to 1887. It is a B-flat cornet made of silver plated brass and has 3 piston (top) action string-operated rotary valves. The cornet is engraved:

ISAAC FISKE
MAKER
WORCESTER MASS
PATENTED
APR.29
73. NOV.12, 1867

This cornet features two patents awarded to Isaac Fiske (1820-1894):

United States Patent #70824, November 12, 1867, for an “Improvement in crooks for Musical Insttruments.”

United States Patent #138389, April 29, 1873, for an “Improvement in Cornets and similar Musical Instruments.”

The triangular arrangement of the rotary valves controlled by top pistons is a feature unique to many instruments made by Isaac Fiske.

Isaac Fiske (1820-1894) established his firm in 1842 in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1887, on his retirement, Fiske sold his company to G.C. Conn.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873-1887
maker
Fiske, Isaac
ID Number
1991.0255.03
accession number
1991.0255
catalog number
1991.0255.03
patent number
70824
138389

“Forget-Me-Not Waltzes”

This sheet music is for the song “Oscar Wilde Forget Me Not Waltz.” It was written and composed by Miss Amy Henry and published by W. A. Evans and Brothers of Boston, Massachusetts in 1900.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Oscar Wilde Forget Me Not Waltz.” It was written and composed by Miss Amy Henry and published by W. A. Evans and Brothers of Boston, Massachusetts in 1900. The cover features an illustrated portrait of Oscar Wilde in an oval surrounded by sunflowers and lilies. Wilde was very popular around this time, and underwent an American speaking tour in 1882 that was very popular, and a few different songs were written about him during his time in the limelight.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1900
referenced
Wilde, Oscar
composer
Henry, Amy
publisher
Evans and Brothers
ID Number
1982.0440.35
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.35

Bosstone Grand Exercise in Numbered Music

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. 161, "Bosstone Grand Waltz Exercise - Sobre las olas (Over the Waves)" 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. 161, "Bosstone Grand Waltz Exercise - Sobre las olas (Over the Waves)" It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
ID Number
MI.66.196.161
catalog number
66.196.161
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 161

Pierce Reed Organ (Melodeon)

This organ was made by William Pierce in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, around 1862-1868. It is a lyre-leg style melodeon, single keyboard with a compass of FF-f3, and two pedals. Stencilled on front of the instrument:William PiercePittsfield, Mass.Currently not on view
Description

This organ was made by William Pierce in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, around 1862-1868. It is a lyre-leg style melodeon, single keyboard with a compass of FF-f3, and two pedals. Stencilled on front of the instrument:

William Pierce
Pittsfield, Mass.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-1868
ID Number
MI.67.015
catalog number
67.015
accession number
272576

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"

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.128, “'When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” 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.128, “'When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” 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.66.196.128
catalog number
66.196.128
accession number
271968

"Sally in Our Alley"

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.99, “Sally in Our Alley.” 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.99, “Sally in Our Alley.” 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.66.196.099
catalog number
66.196.099
accession number
271968

William S. Haynes Flute Case

This flute case was made by William S. Haynes & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1949. It is made of wood, covered with burgundy cordovan leather, with metal fittings, and burgundy plush interior. Accessioned with William S. Haynes flute (1984.0924.01).Currently not on view
Description
This flute case was made by William S. Haynes & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1949. It is made of wood, covered with burgundy cordovan leather, with metal fittings, and burgundy plush interior. Accessioned with William S. Haynes flute (1984.0924.01).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
Haynes, William S.
ID Number
1984.0924.02
catalog number
1984.0924.02
accession number
1984.0924

"Silent Night"

This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1028 – “Silent Night” by Franz Gruber.
Description

This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1028 – “Silent Night” by Franz Gruber. 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
date made
1950s
ID Number
MI.73.01.18.19
catalog number
73.01.18.19
accession number
301414
maker number
1028
patent number
500374
417649

"Jack and Jill"

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.102, “Jack and Jill.” 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.102, “Jack and Jill.” 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.66.196.102
catalog number
66.196.102
accession number
271968

Bosstone Transposing Series Key of D - Two Sharps

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. 153, "Bosstone Transposing Series Key of D - Two Sharps." 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. 153, "Bosstone Transposing Series Key of D - Two Sharps." 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.66.196.153
catalog number
66.196.153
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 153

"Narcissus"

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. 9, “Narcissus.” 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. 9, “Narcissus.” 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.66.196.010
maker number
No. 9
catalog number
66.196.010
accession number
271968

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