[Chicago 1893 World Exposition]. Rare Calliope Instrument with Illustrated Label. Unusual musical toy "calliope" that was made for distribution at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and 1894. This is a ten-note whistle instrument, made from a single piece of wood, with lithographed paper label. Label is marked by the maker: "B & B MFG. CO., NORWALK, O.". Measures about 3 1/2 inches by 6 inches, and 1/2 inch thick.
Label shows Uncle Sam standing next to crates marked "B & B" and "CALLIOPES," handing out calliopes to a variety of ethnic stereotype characters, who are playing the instruments and dancing. There is a Chinese man, an American Indian, an African, and others who appear to represent the Germans, the Russians, and the Irish. Behind the dancing figures and a crowd of fairgoers is a gate marked "WORLD'S FAIR," with dome-topped fair buildings in the background.
Paper label stained and partially worn, wood slightly warped. Otherwise in very good condition. A scarce souvenir instrument.
Label shows Uncle Sam standing next to crates marked "B & B" and "CALLIOPES," handing out calliopes to a variety of ethnic stereotype characters, who are playing the instruments and dancing. There is a Chinese man, an American Indian, an African, and others who appear to represent the Germans, the Russians, and the Irish. Behind the dancing figures and a crowd of fairgoers is a gate marked "WORLD'S FAIR," with dome-topped fair buildings in the background.
Paper label stained and partially worn, wood slightly warped. Otherwise in very good condition. A scarce souvenir instrument.
[Chicago 1893 World Exposition]. Rare Calliope Instrument with Illustrated Label. Unusual musical toy "calliope" that was made for distribution at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and 1894. This is a ten-note whistle instrument, made from a single piece of wood, with lithographed paper label. Label is marked by the maker: "B & B MFG. CO., NORWALK, O.". Measures about 3 1/2 inches by 6 inches, and 1/2 inch thick.
Label shows Uncle Sam standing next to crates marked "B & B" and "CALLIOPES," handing out calliopes to a variety of ethnic stereotype characters, who are playing the instruments and dancing. There is a Chinese man, an American Indian, an African, and others who appear to represent the Germans, the Russians, and the Irish. Behind the dancing figures and a crowd of fairgoers is a gate marked "WORLD'S FAIR," with dome-topped fair buildings in the background.
Paper label stained and partially worn, wood slightly warped. Otherwise in very good condition. A scarce souvenir instrument.
Label shows Uncle Sam standing next to crates marked "B & B" and "CALLIOPES," handing out calliopes to a variety of ethnic stereotype characters, who are playing the instruments and dancing. There is a Chinese man, an American Indian, an African, and others who appear to represent the Germans, the Russians, and the Irish. Behind the dancing figures and a crowd of fairgoers is a gate marked "WORLD'S FAIR," with dome-topped fair buildings in the background.
Paper label stained and partially worn, wood slightly warped. Otherwise in very good condition. A scarce souvenir instrument.