Popular Entertainment

Elvis Presley Record

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.

Place: New Jersey

Magnus Indian Chief Harmonica

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

The Yellow Rose of Texas; On the Old Spanish Trail

Roy Rogers. side 1: The Yellow Rose of Texas; side 2: On the Old Spanish Trail (RCA Victor 20-3074), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947. Side 2 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor 20-2320.
Description
Roy Rogers. side 1: The Yellow Rose of Texas; side 2: On the Old Spanish Trail (RCA Victor 20-3074), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947. Side 2 was recorded in 1947 and initially released on Victor 20-2320. This album was released in 1948
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Rogers, Roy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05236
maker number
20-3074
P 215
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05236

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1053 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1053 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.126
catalog number
73.01.11.126
maker number
1053
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1815 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1815 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.137
catalog number
73.01.11.137
maker number
1815
accession number
301414

Tulane / Louisiana State; Duke / Washington and Lee

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Roll On, Tulane (track 1) Fight for L.S.U./Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Blue and White/Dear Old Duke (track 1) Washington and Lee Swing/College Friendships (track 2) (Victor 26683), from the album, College Songs, Vol.
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Roll On, Tulane (track 1) Fight for L.S.U./Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Blue and White/Dear Old Duke (track 1) Washington and Lee Swing/College Friendships (track 2) (Victor 26683), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 3 - Southern (Victor P 34).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.24
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26683
catalog number
1988.0384.24

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1017 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1017 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.213
catalog number
73.01.11.213
maker number
1017
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1048 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1048 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.155
catalog number
73.01.11.155
maker number
1048
accession number
301414

Too High, Too Wide, Too Low; Rounded Up in Glory

Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Too High, Too Wide, Too Low; side 2: Rounded Up in Glory (RCA Victor 20-3193), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released on 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Too High, Too Wide, Too Low; side 2: Rounded Up in Glory (RCA Victor 20-3193), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Spirituals (RCA Victor P 229).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released on 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05274
maker number
20-3193
P 229
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05274

Goodnight My Love; Take Another Guess

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Goodnight My Love; side 2: Take Another Guess (Victor 25461).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Goodnight My Love; side 2: Take Another Guess (Victor 25461).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1065
catalog number
1988.0698.1065
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G37
maker number
25461

"Coon, Coon, Coon"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4389 - "Coon, Coon, Coon," with words by Gene Jefferson and music by Leo Friedman.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4389 - "Coon, Coon, Coon," with words by Gene Jefferson and music by Leo Friedman. 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
ca 1900
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.31
catalog number
74.12.31
accession number
314637
maker number
4389

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1212 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1212 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.014
catalog number
73.01.11.014
maker number
1212
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1334 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1334 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.204
catalog number
73.01.11.204
maker number
1334
accession number
301414

Snap Your Fingers; I Want to Be In Dixie

side 1: Al Jolson. Snap Your Fingers; side 2: Collins and Harlan. I Want To Be in Dixie (Victor 17075)78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1911. Side 2 was recorded in 1912. This pressing was released in 1923.Currently not on view
Description
side 1: Al Jolson. Snap Your Fingers; side 2: Collins and Harlan. I Want To Be in Dixie (Victor 17075)
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1911. Side 2 was recorded in 1912. This pressing was released in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1912
1911
recording artist
Jolson, Al
Collins, Arthur
Harlan, Byron G.
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1985.0256.01
accession number
1985.0256
maker number
17075
catalog number
1985.0256.01

Honey Stealin' Blues; On the Killin' Floor

"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Honey Stealin' Blues; side 2: On the Killin' Floor (Bluebird 34-0702).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Honey Stealin' Blues; side 2: On the Killin' Floor (Bluebird 34-0702).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
recording artist
Lewlar, Ernest
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1996.0153.08738
catalog number
1996.0153.08738
label number
34-0702
accession number
1996.0153

"Marching Through Georgia"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, after 1893. It is Regina Disc #1205 - "Marching Through Georgia," by Henry Clay Work.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, after 1893. It is Regina Disc #1205 - "Marching Through Georgia," by Henry Clay Work. 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
after 1893
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.03
catalog number
378567.03
accession number
144168

Dexter's Riff; So Easy

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

Hard Headed Woman; Don't Ask Me Why

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1958
recording artist
Presley, Elvis
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.3034.06127
label number
47-7280
catalog number
1996.3034.06127
nonaccession number
1996.3034

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1045 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1045 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.156
catalog number
73.01.11.156
maker number
1045
accession number
301414

Where or When?; I Cried for You

side 1: Benny Goodman Trio. Where Or When?; side 2: Benny Goodman Quintet. I Cried for You (Bluebird B-11456).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25725. Side 2 was originally recorded in in 1938 and released on Victor 26139.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman Trio. Where Or When?; side 2: Benny Goodman Quintet. I Cried for You (Bluebird B-11456).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25725. Side 2 was originally recorded in in 1938 and released on Victor 26139.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman Quintet
Benny Goodman Trio
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1978.0670.018
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
B-11456
catalog number
1978.0670.018

Sammy Kaye Postcard

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
depicted (sitter)
Kaye, Sammy
maker
RCA Corporation
ID Number
1989.0041.01
accession number
1989.0041
catalog number
1989.0041.01

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1015 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1015 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.211
catalog number
73.01.11.211
maker number
1015
accession number
301414

Anchor's Aweigh; Semper Paratus

Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1942
recording artist
Victor Military Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1980.0339.32
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
27812
P 117
catalog number
1980.0339.32

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1086 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1086 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.119
catalog number
73.01.11.119
maker number
1086
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1895 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1895 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.132
catalog number
73.01.11.132
maker number
1895
accession number
301414

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