C. Bruno & Son Banjo Ukulele

Description:

This banjo ukulele was sold by C. Bruno & Son, Inc. in New York, New York around 1916-1925. The wholesale musical instrument merchandiser was founded in 1834 by Charles Bruno. Charles, Jr. joined his father around 1862 and later served as the company’s president until his death in 1912. There is a medallion on the peghead:

Maxitone
BRUNO, N.Y.

(and stamped on hoop):

PAT. APPL'D FOR

A nationwide enthusiasm for all things Hawaiian was sparked by performances of hula dancing and ukulele playing at the Hawaiian Pavilion during the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Within months, banjos tuned and played like Hawaiian ukuleles were marketed to capitalize on the growing interest.

In a 1927 advertisement in the Music Trade Review, the Bruno company asserted: “In conscientiously marketing, advancing and promoting the products of the makers, "Bruno" likewise has served the best interests of a great host of retail music dealers throughout the world. And so through this development, the trade slogan "Bruno Means Security" was evolved.”

Date Made: 1900-1925

Maker: C. Bruno & Son

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, New York City

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Banjos

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Helen Ann Immitti

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1982.0204.01Accession Number: 1982.0204Catalog Number: 1982.0204.01

Object Name: banjo ukulele

Physical Description: metal (part material)wood (part material)Measurements: overall: 21 in x 7 3/4 in x 2 1/2 in; 53.34 cm x 19.685 cm x 6.35 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-4811-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_606278

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