Images from The Alan G. Bates Harmonica Collection

Coin Harp Model Harmonica by Carl Strauss, Germany, after 1902

NMM 10268.  Diatonic harmonica by Carl Strauss, Germany, after 1902. Coin harp model. Harmonica patented in England, May 27, 1902, by Carl Strauss, 355 Broadway, New York, and in Germany in 1903. Original cylindrical box labeled U.S.A. Coin Harp / No. 200 / The latest novelty / Made in Germany. One end has a glass cover over a "dexterity puzzle" with 7 pockets and 7 tiny white balls that, with a little patience, can all be maneuvered into the pockets. The other end is a coin holder with a spring-loaded plate that pushes down, when a U.S. nickel is inserted. Three Liberty Head nickels (dated 1904, 1905, and 1910) currently reside there, but easily slide out, when pushed with one's thumb. All 20 notes play with a nice tone. This is not a cheap toy. Alan G. Bates Collection, 2000.

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