Help with approximate age?

Harmonica
1

Hi

I’ve picked up an old tremolo in fantastic condition. It’s pre WW11 and the Echo on the box stands out, can anyone give a more accurate date of when it was made?

Thanks

Ade

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IMG_95313024×4032 2.72 MB

2

It’s hard to tell without a better photo of the harmonica. Does the cover have a raised imprint? Various Echo models were released from 1913 onwards.

3

Hi Steve

The harmonica cover doesn’t have raised lettering, the box does.

Here’s more photo’s

Thanks for your help

Ade

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IMG_95293024×4032 2.77 MB

4

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5

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6

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IMG_95303024×4032 3.13 MB

7

As it has 1937, amongst other dates, on it I assume it’s between 1937 and when the stopped using the star. Is there a definitive date on that? I’ve read before WW11, but also that it may have remained until the early 40’s? Any help appreciated

Ta

Ade

8

Hi Ade
Your assumption is probably correct, but that doesn’t make it easy to figure out how old the harmonica is. There isn’t much concensus about when Hohner stopped using the Star of David. Many claim that it was removed during the Nazi era, but there is evidence to suggest this actually took place considerably later, possibly well into the post-war years. The “mouse ear” lugs on the covers certainly suggest it’s pretty old, so late 1930s - 1940s could be a reasonable guess. You may want to ask Pat Missin (www.patmissin.com), he’s a mine of information on harmonica history,
cheers
Steve

1 Like
9

Thanks Steve

Late 30s, early 40s sounds about right, chuffed it’s in such great condition,

Thanks for your help

Ade

1 Like