Cyclop mouth organ I spied with my little eye an interestingly monikered mouth organ advertised in Toowoomba 1923 (below right) - the “easy blowing” Cyclop. Left: Cyclop Accordion advertisement (Catholic Press Sydney 1911) Right: ‘Easy blowing Cyclop Mouth Organs (Toowoomba Chronicle 1923) Definitely not an Australian brand name mouth organ, but available down under perhaps … Continue reading One Eyed
My latest acquisition. The one after the 266 (I said move over once - and a half). However more likely after the 265 as the 266 was originally the 264 1/2. Confused welcome to the world of harmonica identification. The 48 Chord Harmonica (also known as the Akkorda) was manufactured nearly ten years later than … Continue reading No. 267
Rhythm and Blues - Hohner My R&B with 1963 Patent (part & slightly doctored) Tommy Reilly co - creator Although not strictly in my collection parameters, I’ve been keen for sometime to source a Hohner Rhythm & Blues Chord harmonica. Not quite sure why, but I reckon it’s cool! The time had arrived. I sought … Continue reading Train Rhythm Blues
Here It Is! Doug Dawson, Canadian super collector, has done it again! He has discovered the Jazz Master Chromatic - it exists! There folks in all of its glory - in a lovely blue container. Where would you think Doug picked up this late 1930’s rare Aussie classic? You’d be wrong, ‘twas Sweden. For more … Continue reading Jazzamatazz
Latest addition for Shep’s harp collection is Albert’s Student Boomerang from the mid 1920’s I believe. Short lived it seems and perhaps not many in existence. I couldn’t locate an advertisement in the newspapers, not one for the Student Boomerang. Perhaps it was a one off special school offer. It doesn’t appear to significantly differ … Continue reading Schools Out For Summer (Was It Ever In?)
I’d often wondered about this mouth organ named the Triller that was referenced to in a 1899 W H Paling’s advertisement. Just recently Mark Weber discovered it in a job lot and bought it. It just might be the only one in existence. Interestingly the trilling effect is provided by a slider button identical to … Continue reading Triller Thriller
Finally I've been able to peek inside the Crackajack tutor booklet. A few gems were discovered from within its pages. The diamond was the Professor's tips on playing the instrument that fits in a waistcoat pocket. Was the Professor the one they termed the Paderewski of the mouth organ? What is a Paderewski? More on … Continue reading Professor & Paderewski
The elusive Hohner Auto Valve Vamper! One in the flesh - picture courtesy of Riff Raffer Mark Hand, all the way from Okriftel. If your interested in detail about this oxymoron there's information here - Hohner’s Hollandia (Nova) Harp. Ray Grieve has published his revised edition of Boomerangs & Crackajacks with newly researched material on … Continue reading Via et Veritas
Having recently cleared the property for a hard rubbish collection, I found a cardboard sign which predates our arrival at this property. I would suggest this was for the sale of the land before the house being built in the mid eighties. It had been jammed up against a side fence with just the plain … Continue reading Long Haired Freaky People
Harmonica Riff Raff 