Germany
Jos. Fischer

Metals, wood
ca.  Early 20th century
Length 4.5 in, Width: 4 in, Depth: 2.25 in
Wind Instruments – Free Reeds

The top of the instrument is stamped and engraved: HORNOPHONE / MADE IN GERMANY.  The under left side is also stamped, reading:  GRUNDER / (picture of man encircled) / DER FIRMA.  The center reads:  SCHUTZ MARKE/ JOS. FISCHER / (with an emblem of an eagle holding a large fish). The right side reads:  WELTBRUHMTES / (picture of man encircled) / FABRIKAT.

This Jos. Fischer harmonica is diatonic and in the key of ‘C’.  It is made with a brown stained wooden comb that has metal cover plates and a funnel-shaped resonator attached to the top with screws and nuts. There are ten single holes, with 20 reeds.

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.