Name/Title
Grand HarmoniconEntry/Object ID
2011.001.19Description
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.Collection
Genesee Country Village and MuseumMade/Created
Date made
circa 1825 - circa 1835Lexicon
Search Terms
Glass harmonica, Glass harpMaterial
Glass, Mahogany wood
