A harmonica similar to this one was used in a Santa Claus plot way back in 1965. The two astronauts Walter Marty “Wally” SCHIRRA Jr. (1923-2007) and Thomas P. STAFFORD (1930-2024) planned a practical joke for Christmas weeks before they set off into outer space on the Gemini VI Mission. Just before their scheduled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere on 16 December 1965, they reported a U.F.O. sighting to ground control:

“We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, probably in polar orbit…. Looks like he might be going to re-enter soon…. You just might let me pick up that thing…. I see a command module and eight smaller modules in front. The pilot of the command module is wearing a red suit.”

Schirra broke into a rendition of “Jingle Bells” on the Hohner “Little Lady” harmonica he had smuggled on board. Stafford accompanied him on miniature sleigh bells. Ground control personnel must have gone from panic to relief once they realised they had been fooled! It was history in the making – the Little Lady harmonica became the first musical instrument to be played in space!

This gold-plated Little Lady necklace would be a fantastic present for fans of HOHNER, musicians and anyone who loves harmonicas.

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