Hohner Chromonica II Deluxe Every now and then you have a wee win. To acquire this space age chromatic for 99 cents was certainly one. I only placed a bid because the interest seemed lacklustre and the fact that I’m always on the hunt for a bargain. I recently had been an underbidder on a … Continue reading Praise the Lord for the 99c Harmonica.
Early twentieth century poster by Troedel & Co. lithographer (State Library Victoria) 1905 Advertisement The Cadet was first added to the Crackajack line in 1905 just two years after their first models; The Professional, Senior and Junior, were sold by Allan & Co of Melbourne. Same model from F A Rauner’s 1915 Cat These Cadets … Continue reading Crack Cadet
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)
A new selection for the collection joining the Cobber & Boomerang tins. Pretty chuffed to have quested this Bess O’ Th’ Barn metal case from Lakes Entrance. I haven’t witnessed too many of these rising to the surface in my ten or so years of collecting for my collection. The Bulletin - Advertised December 1913 … Continue reading Whoa Bessie & Y the Zee!
Harmonica Riff Raff, located in the beautiful Bass Coast acknowledges the Bunurong clan of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waters, and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. The Australian Star (Sydney), Wed 17 Feb 1897 The King Billy mouth organ was manufactured by C. … Continue reading King Billy
A couple of new (old) Aussie indigenous named ‘Arps; the Nulla - Nulla and the Woomera. While setting out to determine if a Nugget mouth organ had ever been advertised (I didn’t), I dug up a Nulla - Nulla sold by Beale’s of Brisbane. A Nulla Nulla is an indigenous club used, well, you probably … Continue reading Nulla-Nulla and the Woomera two
The latest inclusion to the Shep museum is this ripper specimen, the Boomerang Miniature Grand. Made by the oldest current mouth organ factory in the world Seydel in Klingenthal, Germany for Albert & Son in Sydney, Australia. This is possibly an antique (or close to) model. 1910 C. A. Seydel Söhne Trademark Trademarked in 1910, … Continue reading Grand Poobah
Two recent acquisitions for the Shep museum. Firstly this Hohner Echo Tremolo (pictured above), which has an interesting back story. The Hohner Echo brand dates back to the turn of the twentieth century. This ‘Made In England’ Echo to circa 1949 post WWII. Hohner had some harmonicas assembled in England using German made parts around … Continue reading England Echo or Don’t Mention The War
14 Double Holes (F A Rauner not identified on either plate) - Doesn’t appear in 1905 Cat Page from Feldheim, Gotthelf & Co 1905 Store Catalogue (Musical Instruments were located on their second floor) Box top inside label Left: Scorcher F A Rauner TM Right: 12 Double Holes (back plate identifies F A Rauner) - … Continue reading Firebrand
Look what I picked up from our local Bazaar. Although not in my wheelhouse, I thought why not. A harmonica made in Japan by Nippon Gakki (later Yamaha). It’s probably about as old as me - pretty old then, vintage, but not antique! They obviously made their way across the Pacific Ocean to our sunny … Continue reading Made In Japan
Harmonica Riff Raff 