Reed Triller
169 posts
Dec 24, 2013
3:58 PM
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After a few months away again due to the sudden death of a family member as well as dealing with family drama that resulted, and a college semester, I am finally able to get some free time. I apologize to all those who I had plans to do things with/for over the last 3-4 months but life got in the way.
As a result of the death of a family member I inherited some harmonicas. An older Chromonica 260 C(In plastic Aligator skin looking case, a 1960s-70s MB with near perfect box, and one I am not familiar with. An Opera brand harmonica made in West Germany with original tin case which has a silkscreened image of an opera house, balet dancers, and what appears to be actors with an actress acting out a scene in a play on the lid.
I am most interested in information on the Opera harp. I took a chance and blew into it(BLEH!) and I believe it is an echo harp.
But if someone can date the Chrom by the fact that it has a plastic alligator skin looking case that would be great.
All three look barely used at all. So, they were at least well cared for.
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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WinslowYerxa
468 posts
Dec 26, 2013
1:55 AM
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The alligator soft plastic chromatic cases date from the 1960s into the 1970s.
Opera harps show up on eBay with some regularity. Not sure who made them. However, the West Germany designation is a clue that they were made after World War 2, when East and West Germany came into existence. The graphics on the box appear to be a much earlier design, but the majority of the instruments offered on eBay specify either West Germany or US Zone, indicating postwar production.
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Winslow
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rbeetsme
1456 posts
Dec 26, 2013
5:41 AM
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Check out the harmonica collectors facebook page, some good folks there. Some amazing collections too!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/213998285292044/
Last Edited by rbeetsme on Dec 26, 2013 5:48 AM
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Reed Triller
176 posts
Dec 27, 2013
9:33 AM
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Thanks rbeetsme. I was already a member but forgot,lol.
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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MP
3013 posts
Dec 27, 2013
10:07 AM
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Reed Triller-
I think I have the same harp. On the tin box it says US Zone- as Winslow mentioned. It is an echo or tremolo type.
I remember looking in an antique price guide book in about 12 years ago and it actually listed this Opera harp! It was the only harmonica listed. I think the harp was going for about $40 in good condition.
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i still have a little Hohner stock for reed replacement in three common keys.
when these are gone i'm out of the biz.
click MP for my e-mail address and more info.
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Reed Triller
178 posts
Dec 28, 2013
9:55 AM
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This one is in pretty much perfect condition. I am just not into echos/trems but it's a nice keepsake.
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"Bend it like Ricci" - Me
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MP
3014 posts
Dec 29, 2013
10:57 AM
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I think most old harps aren't worth much unless it is a Trumpet Call in perfect condition or shaped like a Zeppelin.
Yeah, I just think of my Opera as just an odd piece of history from a divided Germany. ----------
i still have a little Hohner stock for reed replacement in three common keys.
when these are gone i'm out of the biz.
click MP for my e-mail address and more info.
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