Civil War Soldier’s Musical “Jew’s Harp”, as in museums and books

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War “Jew’s Harp”, which measures 2" x 2 3/4". These unique little musical instruments gained their popularity during the Civil War. There is an example in The National Park Service Museum in Gettysburg (see pictures).

In The Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia, by Francis Lord, his description states, “Because they are small and inexpensive, the Jew’s Harp was a favorite with many soldiers to pass away the time in camp”, a favorite product sold by Civil War camp sutlers. This particular one is fancier, so it would have cost more. Numerous recoveries at Civil War sites validate their popularity. In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I show examples.