Magnus Indian Chief Harmonica

Object Details

Description

This harmonica was made by Magnus Hamonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, around 1949. It is an Indian Chief model, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. The harmonica has a red and black plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets. It is engraved:

TRADE MARK MAGNUS U.S.PAT.OFF.
HARMONICA CORPORATION
NEWARK 4, NEW JERSEY
US. PATENT NOS. 2,373,129
2,407,312 – 2,416,451
MADE IN U.S.A.
OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN
PATENTS PENDING

This harmonica features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #2372129, dated April 10, 1945, for the construction of the reed plate and reeds for instruments of the harmonica type by Finn H. Magnus.

U. S. Patent #2407312, dated September 10, 1946, for harmonicas in which the reeds or

reed plate, or both the reeds and reed plate are formed of a plastic composition by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

U. S. Patent #2416451, date February 25, 1947, for a method of and making integral reed plates and reeds by Finn H. Magnus assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation.

Location

Currently not on view

Data Source

National Museum of American History

maker

Magnus Harmonica Corporation

date made

ca 1949

Credit Line

The Peter Kassan Collection

Physical Description

plastic (overall material)

metal (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 7/8 in x 4 1/8 in x 1 1/16 in; 2.2225 cm x 10.4775 cm x 2.69875 cm

overall: 7/8 in x 4 3/16 in x 1 1/8 in; 2.2225 cm x 10.63625 cm x 2.8575 cm

Object Name

harmonica