Name/Title
"Olympia" harmonica, double-sided, with plastic caseEntry/Object ID
2025.11.18Description
Small double-sided (two-key) harmonica with chrome-plated metal cover plates, playable on both long edges. Each cover plate is embossed with foliate scrollwork framing a central cartouche reading "OLYMPIA," flanked by clusters of round sound holes, with maker/origin legends in bands above and below. The comb's tooth slots are visible along the edge. Housed in a fitted two-part case: a deep clear molded-plastic lid over a cream/ivory plastic tray lined with foam. Shown both in and out of the case.Acquisition
Accession
2025.11Acquisition Method
PurchaseMade/Created
Place
City
Klingenthal* Untyped Place
G.D.R.Region
Central EuropeContinent
EuropeEdition
"Olympia" (brand)Notes
Maker: "Olympia" (brand). GDR (East German) manufacture; the specific factory is not named on the instrument. GDR harmonica production was centered in Klingenthal, but no plant is identified here.
Date: GDR era. The "MADE IN GDR" mark establishes manufacture no later than 1990 (reunification); within the 1959–1990 range. A precise year isn't determinable — these were produced across multiple decades — and the plastic case is consistent with roughly the 1960s–1980s.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Notes
"OLYMPIA" in an ornamental cartouche (both sides).
"REG. TRADE MARK" (upper band, one side).
"MADE IN GDR" (lower band).
A small framed inscription in the upper band of the reverse plate, not legible in these images (possibly a model/tuning designation).
Engraved/embossed foliate scrollwork across both plates.Materials
Material
Metal, PlasticMaterial Notes
Materials: Chrome-plated metal cover plates; metal reed plates and reeds (brass reeds typical); comb material not determinable from these views (wood or plastic). Case: clear molded plastic lid and cream/ivory plastic tray with foam lining.
Technique: Stamped and embossed metal cover plates; assembled reed-organ construction (riveted reed plates over a slotted comb); injection-molded two-part plastic case.Relationships
Related Places
Place
* Untyped Place
G.D.R.Region
Central EuropeContinent
EuropeNotes
productionResearch Notes
Notes
Type: A double-sided harmonica — two reed combs back-to-back, commonly tuned to two keys (e.g., C and G) — an inexpensive, popular instrument widely exported from the GDR.Notes
Export marking: The English "MADE IN GDR" and "REG. TRADE MARK" indicate production for exportCreated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
August 26, 2025Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
June 11, 2026
