Lyon & Healy Washburn Guitar

Description:

This guitar, serial #140926, was made by Lyon & Healy of Chicago, Illinois around 1900-1905. The company was founded in 1864 by George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Joseph Healy as a music publications shop for the Boston Company of Oliver Ditson. Lyon & Healy quickly expanded as a retail distributor for musical instruments. The company also made musical instruments but is best known as a manufacturer of harps. As depicted in an 1898-99 Lyon & Healy catalog, this three-quarter size ”Washburn” model guitar, item number 123-3/4, is described: “Rosewood, with Inlaid and Celluloid-Bound Edges, Top and Bottom; Handsomely Colored Wood Inlaying around Sound-Hole; Celluloid-Bound Finger-Board; Beautiful Inlaid Stripe down the Back; Best Quality Ebony Finger-Board Celluloid-Bound; with Engraved Pearl Position Marks; Ebony Bridge; Fine Quality Patent Head Nickel-Plated.” This guitar sold for $29.40 in 1898.

Date Made: 1900-1905

Maker: Lyon & Healy

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Illinois, Chicago

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Theodore A. Carroll and Allison K. Carroll

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MI.65.0749Accession Number: 262267Catalog Number: 65.0749

Object Name: guitar

Measurements: overall: 36 3/4 in x 12 7/16 in x 5 in; 93.345 cm x 31.59125 cm x 12.7 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-2cc1-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_605749

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