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
Cuckoo Accordion Antiques give history context and history gives antiques context. Left: My first (& I’ll say last) accordion. Right: Sawtell & Consoli were advertising the Cuckoo Accordions in 1926 Look what I stumbled on in Wonny. A cousin of my Cuckoo mouth organ, a diatonic button accordion where bellows blow the air over the … Continue reading Cuckoo Again!
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
Picked up this harp and box for a starting bid of a fiver. Well, I thought I did. Three times he apologised and said it would be in the next post - never did see it in the flesh. An Australian Job! I knew they weren’t a perfect match, but I was still interested in … Continue reading The Italian Job
An early Christmas present. You wouldn’t believe how much I paid for it. Less than a ‘Pineapple’! I had no inclination of purchasing a Large Professional Boomerang. I was researching online for information on a Crackajack model when this struck me firmly between the eyes - for sale and not at an auction site. The … Continue reading Perfection King
Some time ago I came across an unusual specimen (as it’s name referred - Unicum) that was not in the greatest nick, but worthy of closer inspection. What I now realise, thanks to Pat Missin, is that I acquired a Weiss Mandola that was missing the cardboard tube in which it was embedded. I have … Continue reading Unique Boutique
I’m a Crackajack man (nobody knows or understands). Have to be, being born in Melbourne. Boomerangs were Sydney - sold by J Albert & Son. Crackajacks were vended in Melbourne by Allan & Co. This affinity originated with the find of an early Crackajack Concert Grand on a family holiday in Rye and it sent … Continue reading Kilburn Queen
Hi Raffers, A quick look at an Australian harmonica box owned by Canadian harmonica collector, Doug Dawson, a couple of record reviews and a link to an article written by Mark Weber about a new addition to my harp collection, which is rewriting Chromatic history, Hohner's very first Chromatic, the Up-To-Date model from 1898! Just … Continue reading Hotel Metropole
Harmonica Riff Raff 