Object of the Day

Airplane Harmonica

March 23

On this day in 1903, the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright filed a patent for their “Flying Machine”, at that stage still a glider. The development of that design would eventually lead to the first successful airplane. Since then, airplanes have taken many shapes, including this tiny harmonica made in Japan. The instrument has one reed and can only play a single note.

Airplane Harmonica

Description
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Japan, undetermined date. It is in the shape of an airplane, with 2 single holes and 1 reed.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Credit Line
The Peter Kassan Collection
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3/8 in x 1 in x 15/16 in; .9525 cm x 2.54 cm x 2.38125 cm
Object Name
harmonica