Saxophone-shaped kazoos appear on eBay fairly regularly. Unfortunately many of them are in very rough condition. In October 2011, this example popped up. Although clearly quite old, it has not been abused.
Source: bleeding_gums
This particular toy was made in Japan, and according to the seller, measures 5¼ inches in length.
Source: bleeding_gums
The seller said he believed that this saxophone-shaped kazoo was made of tin.
Source: bleeding_gums
This little toy instrument reminds me of the Calura Jazzophon that someone else was selling on eBay sometime ago. However, the Jazzophon’s condition was much rougher, and is commonly how we way we find these vintage toy saxophones for sale.
Source: bleeding_gums
OK, so I just had to add some more. This one had actually appeared earlier in the year, but I’d forgotten that I’d saved it in my photo galleries. If you like shiny, then you’ll love this one…
Source: vintage-stuff-4-u
The seller describes this little toy like this:
This kazoo measures about 5″ in length and is stamped “Pat.P 7500.” and “Japan.”
Source: vintage-stuff-4-u
In the summer of 2012, a painted kazoo with the same “Pat. P 7500 Japan” popped up on eBay. The seller claimed it was from the 1920s but I have my doubts. Unfortunately I haven’t yet been able to figure out where to check Japanese patents.
Source: Nigel Scott Old Advertising Tins
Source: Nigel Scott Old Advertising Tins
If the seller of this next kazoo is correct, then it is a bit of a rarer bird. Although I cannot see a country of origin stamped anywhere, according to the seller, this little, gold-coloured noise maker was made in the US.
Source: OldVintageCollectibles
Source: OldVintageCollectibles
It is quite a bit bigger than the Japanese toys shown above, as demonstrated in the photo below.
Source: OldVintageCollectibles
In December 2012, a seller on eBay was selling a set of kazoos. Included in the set was a rare Sirenephone (third one from the left).
Source: reedsville
The first one is unmarked, and looks a lot like the gold painted one above. This seller however, speculated that it came from Japan. (The seller of the gold painted one thought it was made in the US.) It is apparently 9″ long.
Source: reedsville
This colourful, 10″ long kazoo is marked Japan.
Source: reedsville
Obviously kazoos were made in many countries all over the world, and many times were intended for local or regional sales only. The Argentinian-made Saxo is an example of one such toy that wasn’t intended for worldwide export. I know that Germany also made kazoos. I haven’t been able to track one down however, for inclusion on my site.
