Trumpet Kazoo

Description:

This kazoo was made by the Kazoo Company, in Buffalo, New York, around 1900 to 1910. It is a trumpet kazoo made of metal. Printed paper instructions are attached to the top of the kazoo. This instrument features U.S. Patent #700986 dated May 27, 1902, by George D. Smith, for improvements in a musical toys or kazoos.

This kazoo was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.

Date Made: ca 1902

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, Buffalo

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Popular Entertainment, Percussion

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Pamela A. Carlin and Evelyn A. Mark in memory of William T. Armstrong

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1984.0335.27Accession Number: 1984.0335Catalog Number: 1984.0335.27Patent Number: 700986

Object Name: kazoo

Physical Description: metal (overall material)paper (overall material)Measurements: overall: 1 3/8 in x 1 1/8 in x 4 13/16 in; 3.4925 cm x 2.8575 cm x 12.22375 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-48cb-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_607038

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