The Cobber Mouth Organ was made by F A Rauner. Primary evidence Cobber’s covers, shaped and stamped in a very similar design to the early Crackajacks (manufactured by F A Rauner) - note the angles of ‘40 Bell Metal Reeds’ and ‘Registered made in Germany’. In addition, the model type is bracketed below the brand … Continue reading Cobber Verdict Is In! (Beyond A Reasonable Doubt)
James Donnelly 1865 - 1937 Left: NSW Mouth Organ Champion - Mr. F. Donnelly (Sydney Sun, December 28, 1913) Middle: Thomas & Co Newtown Right: James Donnelly as The Grocer in ‘Horseshoes’ (1923) - Starred Oliver Hardy On the 18th December 1913 at the West’s Glaciarium (a skating rink and picture theatre), the Cobber New … Continue reading Cobber Champ
I’m often asked what I consider to be my prize possession. Although I have a very rare 1898 Hohner Up To Date Chromatic, a Koch Kangaroo and various Boomerangs and Crackajacks, I have to say this one hundred and ten year old Cobber Tin with all its patina fits the bill. Why? Well there’s something … Continue reading Calling all Cobbers
Animatronics: of, relating to, or being a puppet or similar figure that is animated by means of electromechanical devices. (Merriam-Webster) Suzuki Blues Man One of my favourite advertising memorabilia in my eclectic collection is this Suzuki animatronic. These were probably only for use in music stores in the 1990’s. My fella is in great working … Continue reading Animatronics
Harmonica Riff Raff 