Description (Brief)

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.

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.”

Location

Currently not on view

Object Name

banjo ukulele

date made

1900-1925

maker

C. Bruno & Son

place made

United States: New York, New York City

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

ID Number

1982.0204.01

accession number

1982.0204

catalog number

1982.0204.01

Credit Line

Helen Ann Immitti

See more items in

Cultural and Community Life: Musical Instruments

Music & Musical Instruments

Banjos

Data Source

National Museum of American History