Tremolo harmonica, A
Maker
C. H. Meinel
Date1885-1900 ca.
Place MadeGermany, Europe
ModelKentucky Home
Serial No.none
SignedStamped on the front casing: The Kentucky Home / Harmonica / C. H. Meinel Schlossmeinel – Make, GermanyMarkingsnone
DescriptionMetal casings with cream-colored celluloid covers, wood comb with honey colored varnish. The covers slide, allowing easy access to the reeds.
The inspiration for this model is uncertain. Harmonica makers and distributors were masters of marketing and promotion, often making commemorative models to take advantage of known people, places and events. Kentucky became a state in 1792, so 1892 would mark its centennial. The Kentucky Derby began in 1872, which is certainly a noteworthy event. Finally, Stephen Foster composed "My Old Kentucky Home" about 1850, a so-called sentimental minstrel song, which later became the Kentucky state song, despite its obviously sensitive subject matter and history. Additionally, the song is recited annually at the Kentucky Derby. All this to say, a late 19th or early 20th century dating of this instrument is appropriate for the stated historical reasons.
DimensionsLength: 119.5 mm
Height: 22.5 mm
Width: 30.3 mm
ProvenancePurchased by donor, April 1994.
Credit LineAlan G. Bates Collection, 2000
Object number08051
On View
Not on view
