A couple of curiosities

[thrillathahunt]

I dug these at an old farmhouse today. The harmonica reed (I think it is a harmonica reed) is made of, wait for it.........LEAD! Yes, it is heavy lead. Has anyone ever seen or know of any harmonicas with lead reeds?

Also, when I first saw the buckle I thought it was broken, but it looks like it was made this way (separated or detached on one side) Are my eyes deceiving me? Or was it made this way?

If anyone can shed some light on these curiosities, I would appreciate it.

 

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[Breezie]

Hey Thrilla, The older brass harmonica reeds were lightly coated in lead. Older harmonica players say they play better than the newer ones without lead coatings. Is the reed pieces solid lead or is that just a coating?

As far as the buckle is concerned, I think it is broken, but you're looking at it in person, which is a better bird's eye view.

Neat finds
Breezie

 

[aka da Prof]

I've dug a few that are heave and 'Lead like' -could be 'pot metal'- being a 'harp player myself, I always figured they were from a melodion---see here--- Inside and Out Part 1 ? The Super-Preciosa | Music and Melodeons