Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: aufevermike on August 27, 2011, 09:42:48 AM

Title: English tool ID needed
Post by: aufevermike on August 27, 2011, 09:42:48 AM

Can someone please ID this tool and perhaps tell me appproximately when it was made or used? The only markings are "ENGLAND" stamped in 4 places, along both sides of each tapered point. The middle part that has the bent "hook"  kind of springs in between the 2 points. Any ideas?
Thank You,
Mike

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: Lewill2 on August 27, 2011, 10:20:34 AM

I believe it is called a Jews Harp. Not sure how you play it but you put part of it in your mouth and the wire sticks out between your lips and you pull and release the wire while cupping your hands around your mouth to vary the sounds.

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: aufevermike on August 27, 2011, 10:47:01 AM

Wow, cool, thanx for a quick ID. Who would have thought this was an instrument?? This measures 3 1/4 wide and 4 1/2 inches long. At first I didn't see how this could have fit in a mouth but a little research shows it doesn't go in the mouth. It is kinda played like a flute.

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: kxxr on August 27, 2011, 11:21:48 AM

Yes, and to vary the sound, besides cupping your hands; you vary the opening of your mouth as you do when tapping on your cheeks to make a popping sounds of different pitches. All you need now is a one string tub bass, a washboard and maybe a banjo or fiddle if you want to get fancy, and you can entertain the crowd at your next barn dance. Yeeehaw!!
Check 'em out here:
http://www.mouthmusic.com/audio/mp3index.htm

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: pritch on August 28, 2011, 12:21:24 AM

That is played by putting the narrow ends against your teeth and flip the little spring steel piece with your thumb.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jew's_harp

Caution: it will bloody your lips if you ain't careful!

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: Neals on August 28, 2011, 01:48:24 AM

Great find.  Only the second one I have ever seen.

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: Branson on August 28, 2011, 08:51:57 AM

Jaw harp player from India:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnMXzCGNPSo&feature=related

From Laos, a double jaw harp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBWQ6jQ1FcE&feature=related

From Norway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxOapWidM1M&feature=related

From Toktogul region of Kyrgyzstan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwzjlb3nd2g&feature=related

Appalachian style (but he's mistaken about not being seen much any more)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRSt803o04I&feature=related

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: m_fumich on August 28, 2011, 02:14:54 PM

Jews Harp, a.k.a. Jaw Harp. That brings back memories.

Title: Re: English tool ID needed
Post by: Wrenchmensch on August 28, 2011, 05:54:45 PM

Confirmed, it is a Jews Harp.  They used to be quite common, and easy to find in Woolworth's and other like stores.  They were, by and large, more used by kids and country folks.