Re: Civil War era harp question

[harp-l@xxxxxxxxx]

Seydel began manufacturing harmonicas in Europe in 1847, although these 
harmonicas were made entirely by hand. Hohner began manufacturing harmonicas in 
1857, and they Hohner harmonicas were introduced into North America in 1862 
(just in time for the Civil War), although "mass production" didn't begin until 
after the war, according to Hohner's own history.  While I cannot authenticate 
them, harmonica remains are often among the relics dug from Civil War sites, 
corroborated by other relics found adjacent to them.  I have heard tell that 
harmonica relics are often found dug from old latrine sites, though that may be 
a tall tale.

A web search on "civil war harmonica" will turn up several sites claiming to be 
selling Civil War harmonica relics.

- -tim
www.workingmansharps.com


> 
> Hi all,
> 
> A friend of mine forwarded this question to me (actually two 
> questions) and I thought you kind list folks could help me out. I 
> think I've got some answers to the first question , but I'm far from 
> an expert!
> 
> Question 1:
> 
> Would a harmonica circa the Civil War look about the same as one now ?
> 
> (My own thoughts were that certainly from afar it might look the 
> same, but that some of the material might be different. In that 
> regard during trhe Civil War era there were no plastic combs I 
> imagine nor were there any Titanium parts available *smile*. OTOH, 
> wooden combes would be around, though not sure what metal was used in 
> the reeds, or even if it was metal!)
> 
> Question 2:
> 
> Would there have been songs more popular among a solitary soldier 
> sitting by the campfire to play on the harmonica, as opposed to a 
> song that he would have left to a brass band or piper ?
> 
> (on this one I'm totally cluelesss!!!!).
> 
> Thanks in advance for your help,
> 
> Jerry
> -- 
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> 
> 
> "Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement,
>   achievement and success have no meaning." - Benjamin Franklin
> 
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> --
> Harp-l is sponsored by SPAH.
> Hosted by ValuePricehosting.com, www.valuepricehosting.com
>