Boomerang Boogaloo

A late flying Boomerang from my collection Recently, while unpacking my collection for display at our new location, I had a closer gander at the Boomerang harmonica with a plastic comb (pictured above), masquerading as a Hohner Special 20. The price would suggest, perhaps nineties. Then, blow me down with a harmonica, I discovered it … Continue reading Boomerang Boogaloo

Brood Parasitism

Another Aussie harp in the collection. Yes that’s right, an Aussie harp. After a fair bit of research I can conclusively establish its authenticity. Who would have thought? Never associated them with here, however there are twelve species of Australian Cuckoos. None of which have the cuck - oo call. The largest of our Cuckoo’s … Continue reading Brood Parasitism

Yippee ki – yay!

A recent acquisition to the collection from a Brisbane second hand dealer was The Lone Star Rider Hohner Harmonica. Not really in my wheelhouse (except for the the price), but I was having withdrawal symptoms having not acquired any Aussie ‘Arps for some time. I remember when I was young and the world had just … Continue reading Yippee ki – yay!

On The Trail Of The Cobber Coach.

Cobber: Australian and New Zealand informal - a friend/mate (male). Word origin: from dialect cob to take a liking to someone Source: Collins English Dictionary. Bauer & Krause Here I go again off to find the maker of the Aussie Cobber mouth organ sold exclusively by Jackson & MacDonald of Druitt Street, Sydney. We had … Continue reading On The Trail Of The Cobber Coach.

The Professor & Merrylands

Homage to the mouth-organ the "bushman's orchestra" - was paid by a professor of music at the Merrylands and Cumberland District Eisteddfod on Saturday. He was Professor C. Sauer, who carries the degree of A.Mus., and holds diplomas of Art at London, Paris and Sydney. “I love the mouth-organ because it has such a soothing … Continue reading The Professor & Merrylands

Bread & Butter

JAZZMASTER A new arrival for the collection and just a lobster. Not a bad find at this price considering some of the over inflated offers on a well known auction platform. This specimen was detected not far from our new to be located Shep’s Shack. It does, however offer more confusion into the growing number … Continue reading Bread & Butter

Morovian Embassy

Hans Rolz - The Embassy As many of you are probably aware I do love a fluted harp and I was happy to place Hans Rolz’s The Embassy into my humble fluted harp collection. I located this gem in a quaint antique emporium just a torpedo punt over the Victorian border in the town of … Continue reading Morovian Embassy

World’s Best

Left: Queen Victoria Building of George Street where D Davis & Co operated out of in the 1920’s. Right: D Davis & Co True Tone advertisement from 1939. Here we go again. Why? Why? This author has unearthed another Aussie harp the True Tone and the fact it was produced for the Oz market is … Continue reading World’s Best

Holly Holy Harmonica

Sing a songSing a song of songsSing it out, Sing it strongYeah! Yeah! Neil Diamond Music Trade Review November 1914 Colouring added by author. Nice Christmas pressie. Anyone have one in their collection? The Great War may be a reason for their scarcity. Advertising DEVICE FOR PREVENTING SORENESS. A Canadian inventor is on record with … Continue reading Holly Holy Harmonica

Big Brother

World Chromatic authority (and collector) Mark Weber has managed to obtain the Boomerang Grand Chromorgan (12 hole - 3 Octaves) produced by Swiss manufacturer Thorens. You may remember that I unearthed the ten hole little brother a few months ago - see Suisse Piece. If you haven’t checked out Mark’s blog, then you should do … Continue reading Big Brother