Smithsonian Museum

National Museum of American History

Description

This cigar box guitar was made by an unknown maker in North Carolina around 1875-1899. It is a four course (4x1) guitar made from a Morris & Son cigar box. Homemade instruments such as cigar box guitars and fiddles played an important part in jug bands and blues music in the late 19th century through the Great Depression.

Location

Currently not on view

Date Made

1875-1899

Credit Line

Gift of Charles Hallock

Physical Description

wood (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 22 in x 7 1/2 in x 4 3/4 in; 55.88 cm x 19.05 cm x 12.065 cm

Object Type

guitar