Object Details
maker
Lyon & Healy
Description
This guitar, serial #140926, was made by Lyon & Healy of Chicago, Illinois around 1900-1905. The company was founded in 1864 by George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Joseph Healy as a music publications shop for the Boston Company of Oliver Ditson. Lyon & Healy quickly expanded as a retail distributor for musical instruments. The company also made musical instruments but is best known as a manufacturer of harps. As depicted in an 1898-99 Lyon & Healy catalog, this three-quarter size ”Washburn” model guitar, item number 123-3/4, is described: “Rosewood, with Inlaid and Celluloid-Bound Edges, Top and Bottom; Handsomely Colored Wood Inlaying around Sound-Hole; Celluloid-Bound Finger-Board; Beautiful Inlaid Stripe down the Back; Best Quality Ebony Finger-Board Celluloid-Bound; with Engraved Pearl Position Marks; Ebony Bridge; Fine Quality Patent Head Nickel-Plated.” This guitar sold for $29.40 in 1898.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Theodore A. Carroll and Allison K. Carroll
date made
1900-1905
ID Number
MI.65.0749
accession number
262267
catalog number
65.0749
Object Name
guitar
Measurements
overall: 36 3/4 in x 12 7/16 in x 5 in; 93.345 cm x 31.59125 cm x 12.7 cm
place made
United States: Illinois, Chicago
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Guitars
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_605749