Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely rare German World War Two NSDAP Vertical Bell Glockenspiel, with what looks to be a soldered sheet brass "German Silver" alloy body. It features 13 aluminum keys that range from notes D up to B. The keys have German note names, including B for B Flat and Dis for D Sharp, and as far as we can tell it is in the key of Bb, with D Sharp (Dis) present instead of E Flat (Es) due to tradition. Unlike the usual modern chromatic Glockenspiel, this type also does not have the "black keys" offset to one side.
The design features Eagle's heads at the top of the arms of the lyre, and between these is a German NSDAP Reichsadler Pole topper with an Eagle on top of a wreathed swas (hook cross). The instrument is complete, however many of the posts for the bars are broken, and they are no longer suspended properly for playing. It has a range of almost 2 octaves in the key of Bb only. The lyre bell measures 24 inches tall with a 4" nickel pole base and 10 inch pole topper (pole topper can be unscrewed). The bell at the widest point measures 20 1/4 inches and overall the instruments stands 51 inches tall, including wooden shaft. The wooden shaft is a replacement.
On each side hangs a set of three aluminum NSDAP Swas (hook cross) emblems, with red, white, and black tassels at the ends. The wood shaft is a modern replacement, as are some of the hooks, rings, and possibly the tassels. All other parts appear to be original to the WWII Period. Used by marching bands at military and NSDAP functions these were played at parades and other official events. Complete versions such as this example very rarely come to the market.
The military lyre, or glockenspiel, is one of the more distinctive instruments used by the German Musikkorps. Used since the 1860s, it replaced the marching bands triangle and was one of the final instruments to complete its transformation into present modern form. Its unique pear shape and outer contours where originally inspired by the Greek lyre. This brass bodied percussion instrument has horizontal bars made of metal, which are struck with a hard rubber, or wood mallet. The number of tuned keys on earlier units usually ranged from 13 upward to 18. They where arranged vertically and affixed by wire. The lyra design ranged from simple-shaped tubular brass frames, down to the intricately crafted and heavier choir bell lyre, where the right and left frame arm ends had eagles heads crafted on to them. The frame ends sometimes had tails hanging down made of horse or buffalo hair with colors ranging with combinations of red, white and black . These 23 inch long tails where influenced by the 17th century Turkish Janissary musicians.
From 1936 onward , many Lyras adorned Eagles or political symbols which where located on the center upper cross bar between the ends . Lyres where produced by dozens of different manufacturers , and available in a variety of sizes, and finishes such nickel, silver, and chrome plating This naturally increased the retail cost. A long wooden handle or spear, was attached under the lower body and acted as a grip, and also could be placed into a leather hanger that was supported over the musicians shoulders and hung around waist height.
Lyras where a distinctly German instrument that where commonly reused throughout the wars. Often old lyras where proudly utilized by the newly formed East German National Volksarmee, who embraced the old style imperialistic music, much to the complete horror of their West German counterparts who shifted into a more orchestra style format.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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