Object Details
- Description
This kazoo was made by the Kazoo Company, in Buffalo, New York, around 1900 to 1910. It is a trumpet kazoo made of metal. Printed paper instructions are attached to the top of the kazoo. This instrument features U.S. Patent #700986 dated May 27, 1902, by George D. Smith, for improvements in a musical toys or kazoos.
This kazoo was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Pamela A. Carlin and Evelyn A. Mark in memory of William T. Armstrong
- ca 1902
- ID Number
- 1984.0335.27
- accession number
- 1984.0335
- catalog number
- 1984.0335.27
- patent number
- 700986
- Object Name
- kazoo
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- paper (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1 3/8 in x 1 1/8 in x 4 13/16 in; 3.4925 cm x 2.8575 cm x 12.22375 cm
- place made
- United States: New York, Buffalo
- See more items in
- Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
- Music & Musical Instruments
- Popular Entertainment
- Percussion
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_607038
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-48cb-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
