Klingenthan, Germany
F.A. Rauner (for Sweet Music)

Metals, wood
ca.  1925
Length: 6.75 in; Width: 1.5 in; Depth: 1.25 in
Wind Instruments – Free Reeds

Stamped and engraved: “BANANA-BAND / Germany / SWEET MUSIC / Trademark / PAT. APPP. FOR.” There is a circular logo with a backwards “B”, “C,” and “D” in between the words “Sweet” and “Music.”

This rare novelty wooden harmonica “Banana Band” made by F.A. Rauner, for Sweet Music, Klingenthan Germany, was made ca 1925.  The metal mouthpiece is on the inner curve of the banana shape harmonica and has ten rectangular holes and 20 reeds.  There are two off-center slits on the top, outer curve of the instrument. The wooden outer cover of the harmonica is painted yellow with black embossed text on one side. (See above for text).  A Banana Band harmonica was used by one of the Marx Brothers in a movie film.

The harmonica, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used throughout the world in many musical genres, notably in American folk music, classical music, blues, country, and rock. The many types of harmonicas include diatonic, chromatic, tremolo, octave, orchestral, and bass versions.