Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

This player harmonica was made by the PlaRola Corporation in Easton, Maryland, around 1931. It is a player harmonica with a painted metal body with picture of organ pipes and keyboard, 16 single holes and 32 reeds, metal sprocket, metal handle, and a metal mouth piece.
Description (Brief)

This player harmonica was made by the PlaRola Corporation in Easton, Maryland, around 1931. It is a player harmonica with a painted metal body with picture of organ pipes and keyboard, 16 single holes and 32 reeds, metal sprocket, metal handle, and a metal mouth piece. The instruments is marked:

PlaRola
ORGAN
If you can breathe, you can Pla Rola

This instrument features U. S. Patent #1813337, dated July 7, 1931 by Martin D. Zimmerman and Henry Pullen.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1931
maker
Plarola Corp.
ID Number
1988.0783.562
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.562
This harmonica was made by an unknown maker, possibly Germany, around 1878-1880, and sold by the J. Howard Foote Company in New York and Chicago. It is a Concert model, with 24 holes on two edges and 48 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by an unknown maker, possibly Germany, around 1878-1880, and sold by the J. Howard Foote Company in New York and Chicago. It is a Concert model, with 24 holes on two edges and 48 reeds. This harmonica is comprised of 4 connected wood harmonicas eached tune to a different key, covered in metal, with zinc reed plates and bone reed plate covers. There is a metal handle at each side of the harmonica.

John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer with shops in New York City and Chicago. This instrument listed in an 1880 J. Howard Foote catalog, sold as a Concert harmonica (#5747), for $12.00.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878 - 1880
ID Number
MI.055667
accession number
11535
catalog number
55667
This harmonica was made by Wilhelm Thie in Vienna, Austria, around 1875-1880, and sold by the J. Howard Foote Company in New York and Chicago. It is a double model, with 48 double holes and 48 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by Wilhelm Thie in Vienna, Austria, around 1875-1880, and sold by the J. Howard Foote Company in New York and Chicago. It is a double model, with 48 double holes and 48 reeds. This harmonica has a black painted wooden comb with brass cover plates attached with small nails to the top and bottom. The harmonica is embossed:

WILHEM THIE
[awards]
IN WIEN

John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer with shops in New York City and Chicago. This instrument listed in an 1880 J. Howard Foote catalog, sold as a double harmonica (#5782), for $15.00 per dozen.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875 - 1880
maker
Thie, Wilhelm
ID Number
MI.055662
catalog number
55662
accession number
11535
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in the U.S. Occupation Zone Germany, 1948-1952. It is a Star Band model, with 10 single holes; 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with nails.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in the U.S. Occupation Zone Germany, 1948-1952. It is a Star Band model, with 10 single holes; 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with nails. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

STAR BAND
MAD EIN GERMANY U.S. ZONE

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948-1952
ID Number
1988.0783.220
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.220
This harmonica was made by undetermined maker in Brazil, undetermined date. It is a CBS Band model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a light brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws.
Description

This harmonica was made by undetermined maker in Brazil, undetermined date. It is a CBS Band model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a light brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws. It is engraved:

CBSBAND
MADE IN BRAZIL

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.258
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.258
This harmonica was made by Christian Weiss in Trossingen, Germany, undetermined date. It is a Brass Band model in the key of A, with 10 double holes and 20 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by Christian Weiss in Trossingen, Germany, undetermined date. It is a Brass Band model in the key of A, with 10 double holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nuts. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is stamped:

THE BRASS BAND HARMONICA
Extra Full Tone
VERY
BEST METAL REEDS
REG.U.S.PAT.OFF
MADE AND REGISTERED
BY
CH.WEISS
TROSSINGEN MADE IN GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Weiss, Ch.
ID Number
1988.0783.173
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.173
This harmonica was made by Elvin in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Toyland model, with 8 single holes and an undetermined number of reeds. This harmonica has a red wooden comb; metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom. In original package.
Description

This harmonica was made by Elvin in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Toyland model, with 8 single holes and an undetermined number of reeds. This harmonica has a red wooden comb; metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom. In original package. The harmonica is embossed:

“TOYLAND”
HARMONICA
JAPAN

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Elvin
ID Number
1988.0783.501
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.501
This harmonica was made by P. Pohl in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Bellbird model with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a red stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws. Accessioned with original cardboard box.
Description

This harmonica was made by P. Pohl in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Bellbird model with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a red stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is stamped "CH. Weiss" on the bottom and engraved on the top:

Bellbird

(and printed on box):

The
BELLBIRD
LOVELY MUSIC
Registered
P.POHL

MADE IN GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
maker
P. Pohl
ID Number
1988.0783.162
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.162
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker, undetermined place and date. It is a diatonic harmonica with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates nailed to the top and bottom.Currently not on view
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker, undetermined place and date. It is a diatonic harmonica with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown and black stained wooden comb with metal cover plates nailed to the top and bottom.

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.140
catalog number
1988.0783.140
accession number
1988.0783
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Toys “R” Us World Star model, with 16 single holes and 32 reeds. This harmonica has a brown and black wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Toys “R” Us World Star model, with 16 single holes and 32 reeds. This harmonica has a brown and black wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom. In original sealed packaging. The harmonica is engraved:

MUSIC MASTER

This harmonica was distributed by Lash-Tamaron Distributors in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Toys R Us, Inc.
ID Number
1988.0783.458
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.458
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in India, undetermined date. It is a Student Band model with 10 double holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a black painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with nails.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in India, undetermined date. It is a Student Band model with 10 double holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a black painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with nails. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is embossed:

STUDENT
BAND
MADE IN INDIA

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.279
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.279
This harmonica was made by Richter in Germany, about 1900. It is a Diatonic harmonica in the key of F, with 10 holes and 20 reeds. It has a wooden comb with metal cover plates attached with screws to the top and bottom. Accessioned with a period carboard box.
Description

This harmonica was made by Richter in Germany, about 1900. It is a Diatonic harmonica in the key of F, with 10 holes and 20 reeds. It has a wooden comb with metal cover plates attached with screws to the top and bottom. Accessioned with a period carboard box. The harmonica is embossed:

Richter
F

This harmonica was previously owned and used by American classical harmonica musician, arranger, and composer, Stanley (Stan) Harper (1921-2016). Harper performed nationally on radio, television, theater, and film. He made several recordings for Decca and Coral.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Richter
ID Number
1991.0196.01
accession number
1991.0196
catalog number
1991.0196.01
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 12 double holes and 24 reeds. This harmonica has a red stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nuts.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 12 double holes and 24 reeds. This harmonica has a red stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nuts. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

SWING BAND
MADE IN JAPAN

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.305
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.305
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in China, undetermined date. It is a Sousa’s Band model in the key of C, with 12 single holes and 24 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in China, undetermined date. It is a Sousa’s Band model in the key of C, with 12 single holes and 24 reeds. This harmonica has a black painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws and nuts. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

SOUSA’S BAND
MADE IN CHINA

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.384
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.384
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a red and black painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nuts.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a red and black painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nuts. The harmonica is engraved:

SWING BAND
MADE IN JAPAN

Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0268.06
accession number
2005.0268
catalog number
2005.0268.06
This harmonica was made by Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Hamamatsu, Japan, undetermined date. It is a Folk Master model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Hamamatsu, Japan, undetermined date. It is a Folk Master model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb, with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with nails and screws. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

FOLK MASTER

(and):

REGISTERED
HIGHEST [Suzuki logo] QUALITY
M. Suzuki

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Suzuki Musical Instrument Mfg. Co. Ltd.
ID Number
1988.0783.318
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.318
This harmonica was made by The Sterling Instruments Co. in the United States, undetermined date. It is a Sinfonet model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by The Sterling Instruments Co. in the United States, undetermined date. It is a Sinfonet model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with nails. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

THE STERLING
INSTRUMENT CO.
MADE IN U.S.A. A-440

(and):

SINFONET
MADE IN U.S.A.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Sterling Instrument Co.
ID Number
1988.0783.338
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.338
This harmonica was made by the Harmonic Reed Corp. in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a white plastic comb with gold tone metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom.
Description

This harmonica was made by the Harmonic Reed Corp. in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, undetermined date. It is a Swing Band model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a white plastic comb with gold tone metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom. It is stamped:

SWING
BAND
Harmonica
HARMONIC REED CORP.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Harmonic Reed Corporation
ID Number
1988.0783.290
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.290
This harmonica was made by Lee Oskar Harmonicas in Japan, about 1990. It is a Natural Minor harmonica in the key of B-flat minor, with 10 holes and 20 reeds. It has a black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached with screws and nuts.
Description

This harmonica was made by Lee Oskar Harmonicas in Japan, about 1990. It is a Natural Minor harmonica in the key of B-flat minor, with 10 holes and 20 reeds. It has a black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached with screws and nuts. Accessioned with original plastic case. The harmonica is embossed:

HARMONICA BY TOMBO Lee Oskar TM

(and printed on the case):

HARMONICA BY TOMBO Lee Oskar TM

Lee Oskar Harmonicas was founded in 1983 by harmonica virtuoso Lee Oskar, in collaboration with Tombo Manufacturing of Japan.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1990
ID Number
1991.0366.01
accession number
1991.0366
catalog number
1991.0366.01
This harmonica was made by Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Brava Alpini Double model with 48 double holes and 96 reeds. This harmonica has a brown wooden comb with metal cover plates nailed to the sides.
Description

This harmonica was made by Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Brava Alpini Double model with 48 double holes and 96 reeds. This harmonica has a brown wooden comb with metal cover plates nailed to the sides. It is engraved:

BRAVA ALPINI
MADE BY M.HOHNER GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.104
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.104
This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is an Up To Date Surprise model in the key of G, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws.
Description

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is an Up To Date Surprise model in the key of G, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

UP TO DATE SURPRISE
REGISTERED PATENT APPLIED FOR

MADE IN

GERMANY

BY M.HOHNER G

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1907
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.404
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.404
This harmonica was made for B. Shackman & Co. in India, around 1980. It is a Concert Master Organ Pipe model with 10 single plastic holes and ten reeds in a metal tube. Accessioned with original cardboard box.
Description

This harmonica was made for B. Shackman & Co. in India, around 1980. It is a Concert Master Organ Pipe model with 10 single plastic holes and ten reeds in a metal tube. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is stamped:

CONCERT MASTER
MADE IN INDIA
© 1980 shackman No. 80332

B. Shackman & Co. was a novelty and toy seller in New York.

Location
Currently not on view
distributer
B. Shackman Company
ID Number
1988.0783.271
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.271
This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, early 1930s. It is an Up To Date Goliath Tremolo No. 453 model in the key of C, with 24 double holes and 48 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, early 1930s. It is an Up To Date Goliath Tremolo No. 453 model in the key of C, with 24 double holes and 48 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to top and bottom with screws and nails. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

THE
GOLIATH
MADE BY M. HOHNER GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 1930s
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.052
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.052
This harmonica was made by F. A. Rauner in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Diana model in the key of C. with 14 double holes and 28 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with curved black painted metal cover plates nailed to sides.
Description

This harmonica was made by F. A. Rauner in Germany, undetermined date. It is a Diana model in the key of C. with 14 double holes and 28 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with curved black painted metal cover plates nailed to sides. Accessioned with original box. The harmonica is painted:

DIANA

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Rauner, F. A.
ID Number
1988.0783.208
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.208

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