Hohner Vintage Harmonica with Original Box, Mid-20th Century, Red Enamel & Chrome Cover
CHF 40.00
This is a vintage diatonic or chromatic harmonica manufactured by Matthias Hohner GmbH of Trossingen, Germany, the world's foremost harmonica maker since the mid-19th century. The instrument features the classic ribbed chrome-steel cover plates finished in red enamel lacquer, with a recessed blue enamel "HOHNER" name badge centred on the front cover — a styling associated with several mid-century Hohner models, most likely from the popular "Echo," "Marine Band," or comparable mid-range series produced during the 1940s to 1960s.
The cover plates display a distinctive Art Deco–influenced corrugated / ribbed profile that Hohner employed extensively from the late 1930s onward for both aesthetic and acoustic reasons. The red-and-chrome colour scheme places this instrument within a recognisable product family that was widely exported and became synonymous with folk, blues, and popular music worldwide during the postwar decades.
The harmonica is presented in its original two-piece cardboard box, lithographed in a bold mid-century graphic style: a broad blue upper band carrying the gold "HOHNER" logotype over a deep red lower band. This type of packaging is consistent with retail presentation from the 1940s through early 1960s. Surviving original boxes substantially enhance collector interest and display value.
Condition of the instrument is honest and played: the enamel lacquer has chipped and flaked extensively from the cover plates. The chrome work and structural integrity appear sound. The reeds have not been assessed but the comb and covers look complete. The original box is worn but intact and complete.
Material: Chromed steel cover plates, red enamel lacquer, blue enamel lettering, cardboard original box (blue and red lithograph)
The cover plates display a distinctive Art Deco–influenced corrugated / ribbed profile that Hohner employed extensively from the late 1930s onward for both aesthetic and acoustic reasons. The red-and-chrome colour scheme places this instrument within a recognisable product family that was widely exported and became synonymous with folk, blues, and popular music worldwide during the postwar decades.
The harmonica is presented in its original two-piece cardboard box, lithographed in a bold mid-century graphic style: a broad blue upper band carrying the gold "HOHNER" logotype over a deep red lower band. This type of packaging is consistent with retail presentation from the 1940s through early 1960s. Surviving original boxes substantially enhance collector interest and display value.
Condition of the instrument is honest and played: the enamel lacquer has chipped and flaked extensively from the cover plates. The chrome work and structural integrity appear sound. The reeds have not been assessed but the comb and covers look complete. The original box is worn but intact and complete.
Material: Chromed steel cover plates, red enamel lacquer, blue enamel lettering, cardboard original box (blue and red lithograph)
Condition notes
The harmonica itself shows significant wear to the red enamel lacquer on both cover plates, with heavy chipping and flaking revealing bare or darkened metal beneath, particularly across the top and bottom edges. The chrome ribbing/grille detail retains its shape and is largely intact, though tarnished in areas. The
hohner
harmonica
vintage harmonica
diatonic harmonica
mid-century
germany
trossingen
red enamel