Player harmonica
Alternate name(s)
- Rolmonica
Maker
Rolmonica Music Company
Date1928 ca.
Place MadeBaltimore, Maryland, United States, North America
ModelRolmonica
Serial No.none
SignedStamped on the front and back casings: ROLMONICA / Made by ROLMONICA MUSIC CO / BALTIMORE, MD.MarkingsMolded into the bakelite: ROLMONICA (in a scrolling ribbon) / TRADEMARK / TO / REROLL [arrow] / PATD. 11-3-25 OTHER PATENTS PENDING / TO / PLAY [arrow]
Molded into the bakelite, inside near paper roll: GENUINE BAKELITE
Stamped on the clasp: MADE / IN / U. S. A.
DescriptionThe player harmonica makes it possible for anyone to make music, cleverly increasing the product line for beginner and amateur musicians. Simply blow into the instrument and turn the crank. Hundreds of song rolls were available, featuring the most popular tunes, which could be switched easily once the roll was rewound using the second crank. A German-made harmonica is inserted into a red and black bakelite case manufactured in the United States.
DimensionsLength: 97 mm
Width: 25.6 mm
Height: 19.8 mm
Length of bakelite case: 107 mm
Width of bakelite case: 87.7 mm
Height of bakelite case: 61 mm
ProvenancePurchased by donor, February 1994.
Credit LineAlan G. Bates Collection, 2000
Object number07868
On View
Not on view
1785 ca.