Showing 330 items
matching musical instrument
-
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Musical instrument mouthpiece, Mouthpiece for Brass Musical Instrument
... Musical instrument mouthpiece...Mouthpiece for Brass Musical Instrument... musical instruments in France from 1837 and in England from 1857...Metal mouthpiece for a brass musical instrument, probably... musical instruments in France from 1837 and in England from 1857 ...Gustave Auguste Besson and his family manufactured brass musical instruments in France from 1837 and in England from 1857. In England the instruments were stamped "Besson & Co" between 1895 and 1904. The word ‘Prototype’ was stamped on all Besson instruments manufactured after 1885-86 and referred to the method of manufacture. This mouthpiece was found by Warren Bowen in 2017, in the vicinity of the former Linton Railway Station.Metal mouthpiece for a brass musical instrument, probably a cornet or trumpet. Consists of a "U"-shaped cup attached to a tapering shank. "BESSON & Co" and "Prototype" stamped on the shank.brass instruments, musical instruments, besson & co. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
musical instrument
... musical instrument...musical-instrument orbost-municipal-band...A brass musical instrument - a tenor horn - in a blue felt... for the many members. musical-instrument orbost-municipal-band ...Used by members of the Orbost Municipal Band from 1964.The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A brass musical instrument - a tenor horn - in a blue felt-lined case. The leatherette is peeling off the cardboard case and it has been taped with black plastic tape. There is a music holder clip and a brass spare piece.Presented by Ladies Auxilliary June 1964 On centre valve 51454 Below bell ORPHEUSmusical-instrument orbost-municipal-band -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Instrument - Realia, Musical Instrument - Mouth Organ
... Musical Instrument - Mouth Organ...Musical Instrument.... Germany 1881 Played by A.N. Pickering 5/2/1934 Musical Instrument ...M Holmas Stuttgart Logo: Hands holdin a circle with star. Germany 1881 Played by A.N. Pickering 5/2/1934 1X Mouth Organ tarnished wood and MetalAuto Vlave Harp Pattented in all Countries 1010 valvesmusical instrument, mouth organ -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Functional object - Musical instrument
... Musical instrument...musical instrument... gippsland musical instrument tin toys children's game wind-up music ...Cube shaped tin wind up musical box. Has bright coloured pictures painted on side faces and top. There is a metal turning handle on attached to right side.Bottom/side - Made in Germanymusical instrument, tin toys, children's game, wind-up music box -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
... PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT...Mandolin type of musical instrument. It has a round body... MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS String Lute Peter Ellis Collection Mandolin ...Mandolin type of musical instrument. It has a round body, the neck is fairly short and it has eight strings in four sets of two. It has seven frets. Possibly a lute.musical instruments, string, lute, peter ellis collection -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Clarinet, 20th century
... Musical Instrument...This musical instrument belonged to a member... This musical instrument belonged to a member of the McDonald family ...This musical instrument belonged to a member of the McDonald family (South Warrnambool). It may have belonged to Donald Robert McDonald (b. 1908) who enlisted in the Australian Army in 1942 and was discharged in 1946. He was a bombardier in the 2/4 Aust. Composite A/A Regiment.The instrument is significant because it belonged to a member of a prominent South Warrnambool family. It had historical and social significance as an example of the musical entertainment common in the 1940s (perhaps the owner played in a local band or a military band)This is a clarinet made of black-coloured wood with silver-grey metal fittings and mouthpiece. It consists of three pieces screwed togethermcdonald family, donald robert mcdonald, warrnambool, clarinet -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Concertina
... musical instrument...Musical instruments were a source of entertainments...Concertina; musical instrument, wooden ends, grips and some... Warrnambool great-ocean-road Musical instruments were a source ...Musical instruments were a source of entertainments for families and groups. This concertina would be easily carried from place to place and brought out without preparation.This concertina is an example of the musical instruments used for casual entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is currently not associated with a historical event, person or place at this time and is being used to augment Flagstaff's village display.Concertina; musical instrument, wooden ends, grips and some key buttons missing. Bellows still produce sound. Concertina centre is coloured in green tones.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, concertina, musical instrument, squeeze box, entertainment, live music -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Mouth Organ and Box, Early 20th century. The Trade mark sign has circle being held by two hands has star inside which would indicate that it was before WW2
... Musical Instrument... of the conflict during the first world war. Other musical instruments were... of the conflict during the first world war. Other musical instruments were ...Matthew Hohner began manufacturing mouth organs in 1857 in Germany and became quite popular over the ensuing years with production reaching over 1 million units in the 1880’s. Control of the business passed to his sons around 1900. By 1920 the company was producing 20 million harmonicas a year. They sold to both sides of the conflict during the first world war. Other musical instruments were made by the company in the 20th century. Ernst Hohner retired from the firm in 1965 after 45 years at the healm. Harmonicas and mouth organs were mass produced in the later part of the 19th and into the 20th century and as such are items with which many people can identify. It has social and cultural significance. The harmonica has chrome top and bottom with wooden section in middle. Box is bright pink with label depicting a musical band in tones of orange and black.Harmonica has Jazz band and Made in Germany engraved on the top. The bottom has engravings M Hohner, Trade Mark Made in Ulm 1873.mouth organ, hohner mouth organ, warrnambool -
Orbost & District Historical Society
trombone, 19th century
... trombone musical-instrument acme-trombone...A brass trombone, musical instrument. Appears... A 76075 A brass trombone, musical instrument. Appears ...This trombone was used by the first Orbost Brass Band, formed 1889. associated with Orbost brass bands. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. Primary Significance Criteria A brass trombone, musical instrument. Appears to be complete apart from a mouthpiece which is missing. At the horn end, the words ACME MODEL CLASS A 76075trombone musical-instrument acme-trombone -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Accordion, International Accordion Company, 1930's
... musical instrument... for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 Bourke Street Melbourne...Lyons Musical Instrument Importer... was made specifically for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 ...This MEZON brand button accordion was made specifically for Lyons, Musical Instrument Importer, 207 Bourke Street Melbourne, as can be seen on the embossed lettering on the top of the accordion. The hand inscribed nameplate indicates that the owner was T H Betts. On August 19th, 1903, Michael Edward Lyons applied to the Trade Mark’s Office of Sydney for registration of “The Invented word “MEZON” to be applied to musical instruments. In 1908 he was advertising himself as sole agents for MEZON accordions. He had been at that address for 15 years (since 1893) and was moving to larger premises at 256 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Still at this address in 1925, Lyons advertises MEZON accordions as “The ideal Xmas present, Maker your friends happy, This Xmas let the Present be a MEZON”. There was a choice of three styles: The Organ, The Wonder and The Grand Organ. They came with a Fibre Case with Lock and Key and a Leather Handle. The promise was “They Give Satisfaction”. They were obtainable at all stores or from Sole Distributors in Australia. In 1927 the MEZON was sold by Albert & Sons in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland as well as by Lyons in Melbourne. The favoured German accordion brands were Monarch and Sterling, which were made by the International Accordion Company in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. The company was founded in 1871 by Ernest Deines and made a variety of musical instruments. The company closed business in 1834. The International Accordion Company’s accordion range made the International brand and others such as MEZON, Globe, and Dienst. Australia imported the MEZON brand. American companies imported a range of the popular German branded accordions until World War II, when they were no longer available. In general, accordions produced after the war were not as high a quality and not loud enough to be heard over the electronic guitars and the drum kit of the bands. This accordion represents the type of musical instruments used in the late 19h and early 20th century, locally and Australia wide. In colonial Australia musical instruments like this one were imported from Germany as well as other countries. At that time, German made instruments represented good quality. This accordion is significant for being especially imported into Australia by a Melbourne retailer. Music was a part of family and social life, associated with dances, song and general fun.Button accordion with case. Accordion with steel reeds, three bass valves and ten treble valves. It is coloured black with very dark green trim, decorative silver metal reinforcing on main corners, gold reinforcing on corners of the bellows and delicate printed, gold printed patterned trims. Hand support for buttons is made of fabric. Folds of the bellows are light coloured with fine dark pattern. It has a nameplate on the front. Black wooden case has red lining, two brass hinges, two brass hook and eye catches and a swivel brass lock. The base of the case has a loose brass fitting. The top has a thin metal handle. Inscription on hand inscribed name on front, label inside case lid, silver reinforcing, leather on bellows top, and frame of accordion. Manufactured with the brand MEZON in Saxony, Germany, for Lyons of Melbourne. Once the property of T H Betts.Printed on label “MEZON ACCORDEONS.” Impressed in metal corners and reinforcing “MEZON” with logo [circle enclosing entwined capital D and E] “MADE IN SAXONY” Embossed in gold on frame “Made in Saxony”, “MEZON Accordion/ manufactured for LYONS / MELBOURNE, Bourke Street” Name inscribed by hand “T H Betts”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mezon accordion, lyons, made in saxony, t h betts, betts, mezon, squeeze box, musical instrument, button accordion, germany, michael lyons, international accordion company, ernest deines, circle enclosing d e, d e, e d, german accordion -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Accordian, Late 19th century
... Musical Instrument... end. Accordian Musical Instrument ...Accordians came into being around the start of the 19th century and has become a well loved instrument. It is thought that they originated from areas in Austria and Germany but over the following century its popularity has spread to all parts of the world. Accordians come in various sizes but all operate on the same wind principle. An object which is relatively common .Brown wooden ends with metal buttons with concertina section painted blue with black edge.Two glass buttons on one end with dark pink and clear glass centres. Parts of the wood work are decorated with scroll work. two metal discs with diagrams of lyres on end above the buttons. Remains of floral pattern around each end.warrnambool, button accordian -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Instrument - Musical Instrument, Violin and stand, Early 20th Century
... Musical Instrument... around front section. Violin and stand Instrument Musical ...This violin was made by Mr Edward Richter who lived in Warrnambool for 78 of his 85 years. he was born 10/03/1853 and was an expert model maker making models of ships. The Warrnambool Museum in 1937 held a model of the Cutty Sark which he had made from timber from the wreck of the Enterprise which was wrecked on Warrnambool beach. Violins were another of of his hobbies.This violin has a connection to Warrnambool through the maker who was a long time resident of the town. It belongs to an era when many people were interested in and turned their hand to making objects such as this.The body of the violin is stained brown in colour with black neck and bridge. The four strings are nylon. The pegs and scroll are timber of a finer grain than the front and back.The tailpiece and end button are black material. The bridge is missing. The stand is rectangular with violin shape cutout, painted in red with a ply backing. Small leather strap on one end. Six large and two small drilled holes around front section.Richter written in large letters on back of standwarrnambool, edward richter, handmade violin, richter warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Edison Phonograph, 1905
... Musical Instrument.... The cover is much stained and spotted. Edison Phonograph Musical ...The phonograph is a mechanical device for the recording and reproduction of sound and originally used a tinfoil sheet wrapped around a rotating cylinder to produce the sound. It was invented by Thomas Edison of U.S.A. in 1877 and was the model for all phonographs or gramophones made and developed throughout the 20th century. This machine is of particular interest to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society as it is an Edison phonograph and an earlier model of this phonograph was used in Warrnambool late in the 19th century to make an important recording. In 1896 Thomas Rome, an employee in a Warrnambool boot and shoe shop, purchased an Edison phonograph that could both play and record sounds. At the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7 visitors to the Exhibition paid a fee to listen to music on this phonograph. But Rome also recorded some local Warrnambool people singing and speaking and these recordings survive today. They are regarded as the oldest surviving recordings made in Australia. Thomas Rome later became a shoe shop proprietor in Warrnambool and was a well-known person in the town/city for a great number of years. This is an Edison Gem Phonograph. It has a black-painted wooden base, now detached from the main mechanism. The phonograph is made of metal which is now heavily rusted. It has a cylindrical turntable for playing the Edison cylindrical records and a handle with a wooden knob. The turning mechanism and belt are now broken. The name of the manufacturer and details of the patents are on a metal plate attached to the side of the phonograph. The amplifier mechanism at the top of the machine is missing. The cover of the machine is made of wood and has a wooden handle attached with a piece of metal and two metal screws. There are also two metal screws on the side of the cover. The cover has a slot on the side to allow the turning handle to be accommodated outside of the cover. The cover is much stained and spotted. ‘Edison Gem Phonograph’ thomas edison, history of sound recordings, thomas rome (warrnambool) -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Musical Instrument, Banjo Mandolin, Mid 20th century
... Musical Instrument... Mandolin Musical Instrument ...There were many different musical bands in existence throughout the 20th century in Warrnambool, from Warrnambool City Band to Pipes and Drums as well as trumpet, mouth organ, and military bands. They officiated at many social events and parades and celebrations which were held at the time. The Camperdown Chronicle lists the Dennis King Banjo and Mandolin band as performing at such events around the 1950’s. No information could be found on the owner of this instrument, Sylvia Broomfield.An object which relates to social events in the district.001056.1 Banjo mandolin. Eight stringed instrument with dark wooden frame and pig skin front screwed in with metal surround. It has a red chord shoulder strap. 001056.2 Black leatherette case with tan card lining and two metal clips and metal handle. A small box underneath the neck contains a pick and two plectrums. It contains a sheet of music called melody in F. Case has written in blue pen” Silvia Broomfield Nullawarre North. Dennis Kings Banjo mandolin Groupwarrnambool, dennis king banjo band, sylvia broomfield, -
Australian National Surfing Museum
Musical Instrument, Snowy McAlister's Ukelele
... Musical Instrument... by this musical instrument made popular in Hawaii during this period ...This ukelele was owned by Snowy McAlister one of the most famous surfers to come out of the Manly surf scene during the 20th century. Snowy won eleven surfboard 'display' contests in Sydney and Newcastle from 1923-1936 including the first 'Australian Championship at Manly Beach in 1924.This ukelele belonged to one of the most influential surfers during the 20th century. It was made by Jonah Kumalae of Hawaii during the early part of the 20th century. It represents the connection between surfing and music as personified by this musical instrument made popular in Hawaii during this period.Handcrafted Hawaiian, Kumalae ukelele, light brown in colour,missing one of the four original tuning knobs.Kumalae logo on the top of the neck of the ukelele.snowy mcalister, jonah kumalae, kumalae ukelele -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument, Circa 1920s
... Musical Instrument... denting. Additional mouth piece. Musical Instrument V. Kohlert ...Restored by Tony Newstead. Played by Dr Phil Law during the 1930s, "for dances and other functions, while teaching at Clunes, Talbot, Creswick, Learmonth, Newtown, Smeaton, and while teaching at Elwood (at Eltham, Gisborne and Sunbury." including on many of his expeditions to the Antarctic. Phil Law was a dedicated jazz reed player and band leader in his early years as a country school teacher. His brothers also played. Gift of Dr Phil Law - 1999. Dr Law died in Melbourne on 28 February 2010 at the age of 97.Owned and played by Dr Phillip Garth (Phil) Law AC, CBE, for dances and other functions, while teaching during the 1930s, and on many of his 28 expeditions to the Antarctic. Metal Silver B flat soprano saxophone made by V. Kohlert and Sons, Graslitz, Czechoslovakia. Circa 1920s. Mother of pearl keys, slight denting. Additional mouth piece. On bell of saxophone "Kohlert Sons / Graslitz / Czechoslovakia" framed by flower and leaf motifdr phil law, dr phillip law, soprano saxophone, kohlert and sons, kohlert sons, antarctic explorer, b flat soprano saxophone, silver instrument, reed instrument -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical instrument, Grafton Saxophone Company, Circa 1951
... Musical instrument... belonging Ade Monsbourgh together with mouthpiece Musical instrument ...Given to Ade Monsbourgh by the Grafton Saxophone Company UK, during the Bell Second Tour C1951-1952. Ade Monsbourgh is considered one of Australia's most original and influential jazz musicians and composers. Rare Grafton acrylic plastic alto saxophone donated by the Grafton Saxophone Company UK, to Ade Monsbourgh during the Bell Second Tour C1951-1952 Rare cream-coloured Grafton acrylic plastic alto saxophone belonging Ade Monsbourgh together with mouthpiece Embossed Made in England Patent # 604 407 604 418 John E. Dallas & Son Ltd Sole distributors. # 10147ade monsbourgh, grafton saxophone, acrylic plastic saxophone -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical instrument, Henry Selmer, Mid 20th century
... Musical instrument... Musical instrument Henry Selmer ...Trumpet which belonged to Roger Emerson Bell leading jazz trumpeter and composer who was a major influence on the development of a uniquely Australian Jazz form. He played with his brother Graeme Bell and also led his own groups.Trumpet played by Australian Jazz musician Roger Bell through the mid to late 20th centurySilvered brass trumpet and mouthpiece with slight dent on rearEngraved "Made by Henry Selmer - Paris Depose Grand Prix Geneve 1927 Liege 1930 Signed by maker Henry Selmer Place Dancourt, Paris Made in France" "Silver on Brass Serial # 6697 (engraved on second valve)" roger bell, silver trumpet, henry selmer -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument
... Musical Instrument... Musical Instrument ...Of special interest because of the illumination and artworkIlluminated and illustrated Bass Drum belonging to Frank MobiliaWhite swans swimming on a pondfrank mobilia, bass drum -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument, 1930 (estimated); "circa 1930s"
... Musical Instrument... a major manufacturer of brass, string and wind musical instruments ...Played by Lou Silbereisen for recordings with Graeme Bell and His Australian Jazz Band in the late 1940s and 1950s. Played by Brian Carter from 1958 to the mid 1960s.Boosey & Hawkes is a British music publisher. Until 2003, it was also a major manufacturer of brass, string and wind musical instruments. Recording Brass Bass manufactured by Boosey & Hawkes circa 1930s. Played by Lou Silbereisen for recordings with Graeme Bell and His Australian Jazz Band in the late 1940s and 1950s. Played by Brian Carter from 1958 to the mid 1960s.lou silbereisen, recording brass bass, boosey hawkes, graeme bell and his australian jazz band, brian carter -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument
... Musical Instrument...-1283148 Metal and timber 'Soap Saver' Washboard Musical Instrument ...Len Barnard's 'Soap Saver' WashboardLen Barnard is a major contributor to Australian JazzMetal and timber 'Soap Saver' WashboardNational Washboard Co. Chicago Saginaw Memphis Soap Saver Trademark reg. U.S. Pat.Off. Made in U.S.A. No 198 Patent 1152766-1283148soap saver washboard, washboard, len barnard, soap saver washboard, washboard, len barnard -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument, Mid to late 20th centurry
... Musical Instrument... belonging to Ade Monsbourgh Musical Instrument Pan Recorder ...Used on Ade Monsbourgh's Recorder in Ragtime album of 1956 described by Bruce Johnson as "a unique exercise in jazz on recorder."The significance of this recorder lies in it being both an early example of recorder making in Australia and its connection with internationally recognised Australian jazz musician Ade Monsbourgh. The Pan company was the first to produce recorders in Australia. It was established by jazz musicians Ade Monsbourgh and Don Roberts in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn, Victoria in 1951. The company manufactured affordable wooden recorders for school students. Instruments such as this were made using local timbers and featured an innovative section of the mouthpiece (the block unit or windway) which was removable and made of plastic, possibly to allow easier cleaning to occur for the sake of hygiene. It is unknown in what numbers these instruments were made. Ade Monsbourgh (1917-2006) was one of Australia's pioneering jazz musicians especially in the period following World War 2 when he played in Graeme Bell's band. As a talented and influential saxophonist he toured several countries, as well as playing with other leading Australian musicians including Bob and Len Barnard. He was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to music in 1992. Don 'Pixie' Roberts (b.1917) was also an early figure in the Australian jazz scene from the 1930s and, in particular, the Australian Jazz Convention of 1946. He also played with Graeme Bell's band. Alto Recorder belonging to Ade Monsbourghade monsbourgh, alto recorder -
Australian Jazz Museum
Musical Instrument
... Musical Instrument... Elkhart Ind. U.S.A. Buescher brass cornet Musical Instrument ...The brass cornet was owned by early Australian Jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist Benny Featherstone Benny Featherstone is considered "one of the most fascinating and gifted musicians in the history of Australian jazz" (Johnson, Oxford Companion to Australian Jazz, p 154). Once described as "Australia's Louis Armstrong"Buescher brass cornetTrue tone. Pat. Oct 89.07 287335 LP 262 The Buescher Elkhart Ind. U.S.A.benny featherstone, prince of good fellows, thirties, jazz musician, melbourne jazz musician, drummer, 1930 s, buescher cornet, trumpeter, trombonist, clarinetist, pianist, early australian jazz -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Musical Instrument - Tuba
... Musical Instrument - Tuba... or Baritone Horn Musical Instrument - Tuba ...Brass tuba or Baritone HornPlaque with artists makers + No 54614 Class A Agents Suttons - Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo -
Creswick Museum
Musical Instrument, Lachenal & Co
... Musical Instrument..., although the lining is showing wear. Musical Instrument Lachenal ...The concertina was owned by Simon McDonald. He gave the concertina to Myrtle Porter in exchanged for town water. Simon McDonald lived in Melbourne Rd., Creswick.Simon McDonald (1906 - 1968) was a noted self taught Australian folk musician whose home was in Creswick. Consider in the industry as the most important.20 Button Anglo Concertina & Case. Hexagon shaped Concertina. Both sides have fretwork and 10 bone buttons making it a 20 plus single button Anglo concertina. The leather straps have at sometime been replaced with white plastic strap. It has 5 bellows in black and white pattern leather. The hexagon wood case is lined, although the lining is showing wear.One side: small disc with Lachenal & Co., Patent Concertina Manufacturers, London. Opposite side: Initials on red card J.W.Gsimon mcdonald, anglo concertina, creswick -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Musical Instrument - Bugle
... Musical Instrument - Bugle.... Slight damage after mouth piece. Musical Instrument - Bugle ...Brass military bugle, mouth piece attached by chain. Slight damage after mouth piece. -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Musical Instrument - Bugle, Brodey and Hawkes
... Musical Instrument - Bugle... melbourne RAN 5568 Brass Bugle chromed Musical Instrument - Bugle ...Brass Bugle chromedRAN 5568 -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Instrument - Musical Instrument
... Musical Instrument... grampians Stawell Upright Wooden Shipboard Piano Instrument Musical ...Upright Wooden Shipboard Piano stawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Instrument - Musical Instrument, c1863
... Musical Instrument.... Instrument Musical Instrument ...Estey Methodist Church Organ. Wooden frame.stawell -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Musical, Autoharp, circa 1900
... musical instrument...The autoharp is a portable, stringed musical instrument.... The portable stringed musical instrument is a member of the zither... musical instrument. It is a member of the zither family ...The autoharp is a portable, stringed musical instrument. It is a member of the zither family but differs from the traditional zither in that chords can be easily played. The buttons on the chord bars of the autoharp can be pressed onto the strings to make different sounds. The labels on the autoharp denote the chords and the notes that the strings play. The instrument is played with the box resting on a flat surface such as a tabletop, with the left hand moving the chord buttons and the right hand strumming the strings, usually with a pick or plectrum . The autoharp was invented around the mid-1880s. There are models now available that have variations in the numbers of strings the instrument has, and differences in the sounds of the chords. Typically the autoharp has 36 strings.This autoharp is an example of musical instruments played at social gatherings and concerts in the late 1800s and early to mid 1900s. It was easily carried by the player. It is usually held in the crook of the left arm with the narrow end resting on the should and the left hand supporting the wider end, the hand pressing on the chord buttons. The right hand strums in a similar way to a playing a guitar, usually holding a soft pick or plectrum.Autoharp, painted dark brown with red rose flower decals. The portable stringed musical instrument is a member of the zither family. The autoharp is shaped like a hollow box with one corner cut off. Strings of various lengths are attached with equal spacing, parallel to the long edge of the box. A slotted board rests over the top of the strings at one end, and buttons on the slots can be pressed onto the felt-padded bars below them to produce chords. There are labels on the upper and lower boards that denote chords and musical notes.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, musical instrument, stringed instrument, harp, auto harp, zither, portable