Popular Entertainment

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Johnny Otis Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1991.0305.250
maker number
732
catalog number
1991.0305.250
accession number
1991.0305
This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953. It is a Duo-Tone model double harmonica in the keys of C (left side) and B-flat (right side) with 10 single holes. The harmonica has a plastic comb and plastic cover plates.
Description

This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953. It is a Duo-Tone model double harmonica in the keys of C (left side) and B-flat (right side) with 10 single holes. The harmonica has a plastic comb and plastic cover plates. Accessioned with an original cardboard box and instruction book. The harmonica is cast:

TRADE
MAGNUS
MARK
DUO-TONE

The following patents are listed on this harmonica:

U.S. Patent #2339790, dated January 25, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2340333, dated February 1, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2348830, dated May 16, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2473210, dated June 14, 1949 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Magnus Harmonica Corporation, for a harmonica and wind cell block.

U.S. #2384758, dated September 11, 1945 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a chromatic harmonica.

U.S. #2407312, dated September 10, 1946 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a plastic harmonica.

U.S. #2416451, dated February 25, 1947 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a method and mold for making integral reed plates and reeds.

U.S. # 2467761, date April 19, 1949 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Reconstruction Finance Corporation, for a plastic chromatic harmonica.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1953
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
2005.0268.24
accession number
2005.0268
catalog number
2005.0268.24
patent number
2339790
2340333
2348830
2373129
2384758
2407312
2416451
2467761
2473210
This harmonica was made by Proll Toys in Newark, New Jersey, undetermined date. It is a Royal Tone model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a white plastic comb with blue and white plastic cover plates attached to top and bottom.
Description

This harmonica was made by Proll Toys in Newark, New Jersey, undetermined date. It is a Royal Tone model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a white plastic comb with blue and white plastic cover plates attached to top and bottom. It is stamped:

ROYA [L in lyre] TONE
PROLL TOYS INC. NWK. N.J. U.S.A.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Proll Toys Inc.
ID Number
1988.0783.471
catalog number
1988.0783.471
accession number
1988.0783
Burl Ives. side 1: The Blue Tail Fly; side 2: Henry Martyn (Pirate Ballad) (Stinson 345-3), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Stinson A 345).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: The Blue Tail Fly; side 2: Henry Martyn (Pirate Ballad) (Stinson 345-3), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Stinson A 345).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Stinson
ID Number
1996.0320.05156
maker number
345-3
A 345
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05156
This harmonica was made by Magnus Hamonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, around 1949. It is an Indian Chief model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. The harmonica has a red and black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets.
Description

This harmonica was made by Magnus Hamonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, around 1949. It is an Indian Chief model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. The harmonica has a red and black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

TRADE MARK MAGNUS U.S.PAT.OFF.
HARMONICA CORPORATION
NEWARK 4, NEW JERSEY
US. PATENT NOS. 2,373,129
2,407,312 – 2,416,451
MADE IN U.S.A.
OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN
PATENTS PENDING

This harmonica features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #2373129, dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of the reed plate and reeds for instruments of the harmonica type by Finn H. Magnus.

U. S. Patent #2407312, dated September 10, 1946, for harmonicas in which the reeds or reed plate, or both the reeds and reed plate are formed of a plastic composition by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

U. S. Patent #2416451, date February 25, 1947, for a method of and making integral reed plates and reeds by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1949
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.332
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.332
patent number
2373129
2407312
2416451
Dexter Gordon Quintette. side 1: Dexter's Riff; side 2: So Easy (Savoy 960).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Dexter Gordon Quintette. side 1: Dexter's Riff; side 2: So Easy (Savoy 960).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1948
recording artist
Dexter Gordon Quintette
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.378
maker number
960
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.378
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers. side 1: Home on the Range/The Old Chisholm Trail; side 2: Oh Susana (Peter Pan 2227).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers. side 1: Home on the Range/The Old Chisholm Trail; side 2: Oh Susana (Peter Pan 2227).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1949
recording artist
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers
manufacturer
Peter Pan Records
ID Number
1996.0320.24954
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.24954
collector/donor number
2140
maker number
PP-328
This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonia Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1947. It is a Horn Harmonica model with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a black and orange plastic comb with white plastic cover plates with resonator.
Description (Brief)

This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonia Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1947. It is a Horn Harmonica model with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a black and orange plastic comb with white plastic cover plates with resonator. It is stamped:

MAGNUS
TRADE MARK
HORN HARMONICA

(and):

MADE IN U.S.A.
MAGNUS
NEWARK N.J.
Pat. No. 2416451 – 2407312 – 2373129 OTHER PATS. PEND.

This harmonica features the following patents:

U. S. Patent 2372129, dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of the reed plate and reeds for instruments of the harmonica type by Finn H. Magnus.

U. S. Patent #2407312, dated September 10, 1946, for harmonicas in which the reeds or reed plate, or both the reeds and reed plate are formed of a plastic composition by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

U. S. Patent #2416451, date February 25, 1947, for a method of and making integral reed plates and reeds by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.554
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.554
Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Al Killiam, Arnold Ross, Billy Hadnot, and Lee Young. side 1: Lady Be Good (part 1); side 2: Lady Be Good (part 2) (Arco 1226).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Al Killiam, Arnold Ross, Billy Hadnot, and Lee Young. side 1: Lady Be Good (part 1); side 2: Lady Be Good (part 2) (Arco 1226).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Young, Lester
Parker, Charlie
Killiam, Al
Ross, Arnold
Hadnot, Billy
Young, Lee
manufacturer
ARCO
ID Number
1978.0670.003
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
1226
catalog number
1978.0670.003
Coleman Hawkins with Cozy Cole Orchestra. side 1: Ridin the Riff; side 2: Flat Rock (Savoy 583), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Coleman Hawkins with Cozy Cole Orchestra. side 1: Ridin the Riff; side 2: Flat Rock (Savoy 583), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Hawkins, Coleman
Cozy Cole Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.650
maker number
583
S-502
catalog number
1978.0670.650
accession number
1978.0670
Pee Wee Russell. Jazz at Storyville, Vol. 4 (Savoy MG 15020).33-1/3 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Burt Goldblatt (1924-2006). Goldblatt was an American art director, graphic designer, photographer, and author.
Description

Pee Wee Russell. Jazz at Storyville, Vol. 4 (Savoy MG 15020).
33-1/3 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Burt Goldblatt (1924-2006). Goldblatt was an American art director, graphic designer, photographer, and author. In the early 1950s, Goldblatt created cover art for the new long-playing format albums, especially jazz recordings.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1952
recording artist
Braff, Ruby
Russell, Pee Wee
Resnick, Ephy
John, Kenny
Field, John
Richards, Red
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.718
maker number
MG 15020
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.718
This harmonica kit was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, undetermined date.
Description
This harmonica kit was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, undetermined date. It is a boxed set is a Magnus Musical Travel Kit comprised of #20 Regular Harmonica, with 10 single holes gray wooden comb and blue plastic cover plates, and a #56 Junior Keymonica, with 6 keys, and made of red and blue plastic. Accessioned with original cardboard box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.490
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.490
Johnny Guarnieri Trio. side 1: Bowing Singing Sam; side 2: Gliss Me Again (Savoy 530).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Johnny Guarnieri Trio. side 1: Bowing Singing Sam; side 2: Gliss Me Again (Savoy 530).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Johnny Guarnieri Trio
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.382
maker number
530
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.382
This medal was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Junior Magnus model, with 6 single holes and 6 reeds. This harmonica has a black plastic comb with brown and white plastic cover plates adhered to top and bottom.
Description

This medal was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Junior Magnus model, with 6 single holes and 6 reeds. This harmonica has a black plastic comb with brown and white plastic cover plates adhered to top and bottom. Cast on the cover plates:

MADE IN U.S.A.
MAGNUS CORP.
NEWARK, N.J.
U.S. PATENT NO. 2,373,129
OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN PAT.PENG.

This harmonica features U.S. Patent No. 2,373,129 dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of harmonica reed plates and reeds, by Finn H. Magnus of West Caldwell, New Jersey.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.482
catalog number
1988.0783.482
accession number
1988.0783
patent number
2373129
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers. side 1: She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain/Turkey in the Straw/Camptown Races; side 2: Old MacDonald Had a Farm (Peter Pan Records 2226).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers. side 1: She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain/Turkey in the Straw/Camptown Races; side 2: Old MacDonald Had a Farm (Peter Pan Records 2226).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1949
recording artist
Billy Williams and his Cowboy Rangers
manufacturer
Peter Pan Records
ID Number
1996.0320.24955
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.24955
collector/donor number
1565
maker number
2226
Don Byas. side 1: Worried and Blue; side 2: Riffin and Jivin (Savoy 582), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Don Byas. side 1: Worried and Blue; side 2: Riffin and Jivin (Savoy 582), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Byas, Don
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.649
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
582
S-502
catalog number
1978.0670.649
Errol Garner. side 1: Confessin'; side 2: Stormy Weather (Savoy 757).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Errol Garner. side 1: Confessin'; side 2: Stormy Weather (Savoy 757).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Garner, Errol
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.381
maker number
757
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.381
This harmonica was made by the International Plastic Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Magnus model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a gray plastic comb with green and white plastic cover plates adhered to top and bottom.
Description

This harmonica was made by the International Plastic Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Magnus model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a gray plastic comb with green and white plastic cover plates adhered to top and bottom. It is stamped:

MAGNUS
REG. U.S.PAT. OFF.

(and):

INTERNATIONAL
PLASTIC HARMONICA CORP.
NEWARK, N.J.
U.S. PATENT NO. 2373129
MADE IN U.S.A.
OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN
PATENTS PENDING

This harmonica features U.S. Patent No. 2,373,129 dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of harmonica reed plates and reeds, by Finn H. Magnus of West Caldwell, New Jersey.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945
maker
International Plastic Harmonica Corp.
ID Number
1988.0783.484
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.484
patent number
2733129
This harmonica was made by Magnus Hamonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, around 1949. It is an Indian Chief model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. The harmonica has a red and black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets.
Description

This harmonica was made by Magnus Hamonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, around 1949. It is an Indian Chief model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. The harmonica has a red and black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets. It is engraved:

TRADE MARK MAGNUS U.S.PAT.OFF.
HARMONICA CORPORATION
NEWARK 4, NEW JERSEY
US. PATENT NOS. 2,373,129
2,407,312 – 2,416,451
MADE IN U.S.A.
OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN
PATENTS PENDING

This harmonica features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #2372129, dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of the reed plate and reeds for instruments of the harmonica type by Finn H. Magnus.

U. S. Patent #2407312, dated September 10, 1946, for harmonicas in which the reeds or

reed plate, or both the reeds and reed plate are formed of a plastic composition by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

U. S. Patent #2416451, date February 25, 1947, for a method of and making integral reed plates and reeds by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1949
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.541
patent number
2372129
2407312
2416451
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.541
Lester Young. side 1: Back Home In Indiana; side 2: Lester's Blues (Savoy 581), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Lester Young. side 1: Back Home In Indiana; side 2: Lester's Blues (Savoy 581), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Young, Lester
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.648
accession number
1978.0670.648
maker number
581
S-502
catalog number
1978.0670.648
Ben Pollack and his Pick-a-Rib Boys. side 1: Dardanella; side 2: Fidgety Feet (Savoy 790).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ben Pollack and his Pick-a-Rib Boys. side 1: Dardanella; side 2: Fidgety Feet (Savoy 790).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Ben Pollack and His Pick-a-Rib Boys
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.380
maker number
790
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.380
Savannah Churchill. side 1: Daddy-Daddy; side 2: All Alone (Manor 1004).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Savannah Churchill. side 1: Daddy-Daddy; side 2: All Alone (Manor 1004).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
composer
Berlin, Irving
recording artist
Churchill, Savannah
manufacturer
Manor
ID Number
1996.0153.08719
catalog number
1996.0153.08719
label number
1004
accession number
1996.0153
This medal was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Circus Band model, with 6 single holes and 12 reeds. This harmonica is made of orange and red plastic.
Description

This medal was made by Magnus Harmonica Corp. in Newark, New Jersey, after 1945. It is a Circus Band model, with 6 single holes and 12 reeds. This harmonica is made of orange and red plastic. Cast on the cover plates:

CIRCUS BAND
TRADE MARK
MAGNUS HARMONICA CORP.
NEWARK5, NEW JERSEY
U.S. PAT.NO. 2,373,129

MADE IN U.S.A.

This harmonica features U.S. Patent No. 2,373,129 dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of harmonica reed plates and reeds, by Finn H. Magnus of West Caldwell, New Jersey.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1945
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.480
catalog number
1988.0783.480
accession number
1988.0783
patent number
2373129
Ben Webster. side 1: I Surrender Dear; side 2: Kat's Fur (Savoy 580), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ben Webster. side 1: I Surrender Dear; side 2: Kat's Fur (Savoy 580), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Webster, Ben
Guarnieri, Johnny
Pettiford, Oscar
Booth, David
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.647
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
580
S-502
catalog number
1978.0670.647

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