Folk Harmonica Appraisal

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica

The item is a Hohner Marine Band harmonica, a diatonic harmonica commonly used in blues, folk, and rock music. It features shiny metallic cover plates, likely stainless steel or nickel-plated brass, which exhibit some minor surface scratches and smudges consistent with regular handling and use. The top cover plate is prominently engraved with the words 'MARINE BAND' in a bold, sans-serif font, and 'M. Hohner' in a more elegant, cursive script beneath it. To the left of 'MARINE BAND,' there is an embossed or engraved emblem, possibly a decorative crest or logo, though the fine details are not clearly discernible in the provided image. The comb, visible at the ends and through the gaps between the cover plates, appears to be made of a light-colored wood, typically pearwood for this model, and shows a warm, natural wood tone. The wood comb is attached to the cover plates with small, visible screws, suggesting a traditional construction. Along the lower edge of the top cover plate, numerical markers from '1' to '10' are visible, corresponding to the ten holes of the diatonic harmonica. The overall condition suggests a used but well-maintained instrument, with no major dents or damage, only typical wear expected from a musical instrument of this type. The design and markings indicate it is a standard Marine Band harmonica, a model that has been in production for over a century, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact age without more specific serial numbers or design features from different eras. Its construction and branding are indicative of a quality, mass-produced musical instrument.