Harmonica owned by Big Mama Thornton

Object Details

Description: A brass Hohner Old Standby harmonica owned and played by Big Mama Thornton.; This bright brass harmonica in the key of ‘E’ with several engravings on front and back and a brown wooden comb with ten chamber holes. On one side of the well-worn instrument, from left to right, is the Hohner company six-point star. Engraved across the top is [M. HOHNER’S OLD STANDBY] with a (raised engraving of) “Founder of the Factory” icon. On the bottom is [REGISTERED / MADE IN GERMANY] and [M.HOHNER]. The numbers one through ten are engraved below.; On the reverse side of the harmonica are several circular embossing’s and engravings representing the history of the manufacturer. From left to right is “D.VERDEIENSTE” (engraved vertically); two circular engraved embossing’s depicting family and a figurehead under “WIEN” (Vienna) with “1873” below them and “ULM / 1871” to their right. To the left of the middle raised engraving of “TRADE MARK” and a two handed “GESETZL./GESCH” logo, are circular engraved embossing’s which read “STUTT/GART / 1881” and “PHILAD / 1876” and “G.R.BRONCE”.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

ca. 1950

Restrictions & Rights: No known copyright restrictions; Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Musical Instruments
Exhibition: Musical Crossroads
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic: African American; Blues (Music); Instrumentalists (Musicians); Jazz (Music); Music; Musicians; Rhythm and blues (Music)

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd561ecfe22-8683-499b-bbd2-29059bf4a3b4