Chromatic bass harmonica, E, C
Maker
Matthias Hohner, Inc.
Date1980 ca.
Place MadeTrossingen, Germany, Europe
ModelChromatica No. 268
Serial No.none
SignedStamped on the back casing, left side: GRANDE PRIX GENEVE 1927 19 [lyre]27 (inside a medal) GRAND PRIX PHILAD [bird facing left inside a medal] / [woman with harp inside a medal] 1926 (in a medal surrounded by laurel leaves) / MADE IN GERMANYStamped on the back casing, center: TRADE - MARK / [two hands extending from smooth buttoned sleeves holding a medal with a six-pointed star in the center] GESETZL / GESCH. (written around edges) / M. Hohner
Stamped on the back casing, right side: GRAND PRIX PARIS 19 [person]37 (inside a medal) GRAND PRIX CHIC 1893 [building in a medal] / [ship in a medal] [man facing left in a medal] / FABRIQUÈ EN ALLEMAGNE
MarkingsStamped on the back casing above signature and on the front casing: M HOHNER’S CHROMATÍCA
Stamped on the front casing inside circles in two rows as shown:
F F# / Gb G#/ Ab A# / Bb B (H) C# / Db D# / E b
E F G A B (H) C D E
This pattern continues for one more octave and a Major 6th above what is shown here.
DescriptionMetal casings, Wood or plastic comb, light brown. 4 reed plates; 2 with 19 brass reeds, 2 with 20 brass reeds (78 reeds). 39 holes, 2 reeds per hole (blow only).
The instrument is made of two harmonicas attached. The top harmonica has enharmonic notes, flats and sharps. The bottom has natural notes only. This style of harmonica was popular for playing the bass notes in harmonica ensembles, like the Harmonicats.
DimensionsLength: 280 mm
Width: 61 mm
Height: 45.1 mm
Height of both Harmonicas: 89.5 mm
ProvenancePurchased by donor, September 1995.
Credit LineAlan G. Bates Collection, 2000
Object number08704
On View
Not on view