This glockenspiel was made by an undetermined maker, probably in the United States, around 1945-1949. This two-octave lyre-shaped glockenspiel, or bell lyra, is made of tuned metal bars mounted on a metal frame with red felt cushioning underneath the bars. The bars are stamped with corresponding notes. The bell lyre is intended for use by marching bands, carried on a pole that fits into a belt worn by the player, and the bars struck with a mallet.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.