Harmonica
SOLD
According to the digger's typed label this nearly complete German manufactured harmonica was recovered Bethesda Church in 1962. Typically, only the harmonica reeds are recovered, but in this case much of the harmonica is still somewhat intact. A portion of the interior wood remains intact. In raised lettering in the top plate is "THE ZAZA / TRADE MARK". The bottom plate is stamped "80 (within a clover leaf) /U.S. PATENT No. 628640? / MADE IN GERMANY". It measures approximately 1-1/16 x 4 inches.
Reference: Examples of similar near complete manufacturer marked harmonicas are pictured and described in the following reference books:
- "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch, page 39, items 2&3.
- "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War" by Stanley S. Phillip, page 141, item 1&10.
- "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of the Civil War 1861-1865 with Supplement" by Stanley S. Phillips on page 194, item 7.
See above pages in additional images.
This harmonica was acquired directly from the family of E. V. Smith. Mr. Smith, a lifelong Virginia relic hunter, thoughtfully recorded the harmonica's year and location of recovery. The digger's label will be included. My limited research of this harmonica's information did not result in a confirmation of its period of manufacture. Interestingly however, is the fact that with nearly every excavated relic collection I acquire, inevitably harmonica reeds are included. This will be a rare opportunity to add a near complete example to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC11646
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