I bought this old harmonica. Please tell me about it. What year was it made and who it was made for. Thank you.
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Hi Serhii
This is a beauty, both harmonica and packaging appear to be in excellent condition. According to my list, this model was made in 1939, presumably around the time the Nazis invaded Poland and started WW2. Interestingly for a virulently anti-Semitic movement, the 6 pointed star of David can still be seen on the bottom cover. This seems to refute the popular idea that the star was removed by the Nazis pre-WW2. It appears to be a double-sided tremolo or octave tuned instrument similar to models such as the Echo, which is still marketed today.
From the late 19th century onwards, Hohner often used military motifs in the packaging and marketing of their instruments. These were by no means restricted to German military themes - the company marketed its products worldwide and designed instruments and packaging to reflect many different cultures and nationalities. The use of military motifs is documented by numerous exhibits in the German Harmonica Museum in Trossingen.
Harmonicas were popular musical instruments with front line soldiers, due to their portability, and Hohner continued to market harmonicas to both sides during WW2, serving the allies via a subsidiary in Switzerland. So it’s highly likely that this model was aimed at German soldiers in active military service, as the picture suggests.
Hope that’s a help
Steve
Hello, dear Steve,
I’m very grateful for the information you’ve provided me. Thank you. The history of this harmonica is very interesting. I came across it by chance and knew nothing about it. Thank you again, and I shake your hand.
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