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Harmonica owned by Sonny Boy Williamson II

Catalog Data

Created by:
Hohner Musikinstrumente GmbH & Co. KG, German, founded 1857  Search this
Used by:
Sonny Boy Williamson II, American, 1912 - 1965  Search this
Medium:
brass (alloy), copper, metal and wood
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 1 × 6 5/16 × 11/16 in. (2.5 × 16 × 1.8 cm)
Type:
harmonicas
Place made:
Germany, Europe
Place used:
Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas, United States, North and Central America
Date:
ca. 1940
Description:
A brass Hohner Marine Band harmonica owned and played by Sonny Boy Williamson II.
A hand-length metallic harmonica featuring a reddish brown comb with engraved embossing’s on both sides the instrument’s face. The comb has 14 chamber holes. On one side of the harmonica are the founding figure’s bust engraving framed by crossed leaves and “MADE IN GERMANY”. Beside it in light embossing is “MARINE BAND” with “M. Hohner” engraved at the bottom like a signature.
On the reverse side of the harmonica are multiple circular embossed engravings representing the history of the manufacturer. The two handed “GESETZL./GESCH” logo, is featured in the middle. On either side of the iconic logo are circular embossing’s depicting harps, eagles, wreaths, plaques, and years (1983 to 1937), with “MADE IN GERMANY / FRABRIQUE EN ALLEMAGNE” engraved at the bottom, below the M. Hohner embossing.
Topic:
African American  Search this
Blues (Music)  Search this
Instrumentalists (Musicians)  Search this
Music  Search this
Musicians  Search this
Credit Line:
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number:
2021.59.2
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
Data Source:
National Museum of African American History and Culture
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b3bdc9df-4eaa-4f2a-b319-f84df37ed144
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmaahc_2021.59.2