Online Collections Database

Grand Harmonicon

Object/Artifact

Mahogany case on stand with 22 toned glasses. Known as a Grand Harmonicon, this is attributed to Francis Hopkinson Smith, a nephew of Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Smith was based near to Baltimore, MD, building and selling these in the 1825-1835 period. According to Dennis James, a musical performer and curator, this a smaller one of the typical production, and housed in an unusual cabinet. Sometimes referred to as a "glass harmonica." Each glass is blown to a musical pitch. There appear to be parts of several sets of toned glasses. Some are engraved with the note on the stem. It is played by rubbing a wet finger around the rim of the glass.

2011.001.19

Genesee Country Village and Museum

circa 1825 - circa 1835

Glass harmonica

Glass harp

Glass

Mahogany wood

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