8-bar autoharp
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Fretless zither
- Zither, chord damper bars, melody strings
Maker
C. F. Zimmermann Co.
Date1897-1910 ca.
Place MadeDolgeville, New York, United States, North America
ModelAutoharp Zither No. 72-7/8
8-bar autoharp
Serial No.None
SignedSoundhole Label: white square paper label with black text. Circular solid border with label text inside from border, GENUINE / ZIMMERMANN / AUTOHARP / MANUFACTURED BY / ZIMMERMANN AUTOHARP / COMPANY, / Dolgeville N.Y.MarkingsSoundhole Decal: two white circular pinstripes around soundhole.Soundboard Decal 1: located in top left corner of soundboard. Decal is gold scroll banners with black text. Decal text reads from top, THE / ZIMMERMANN AUTOHARP COMPANY / AUTOHARP / TRADE MARK / DOLGEVILLE, NEW YORK. U. S. A.
Soundboard Decal 2: located between soundhold and top left corner of soundboard. Decal of a winged lion in red with gold wings, surrounded by gold circles and green leaves. See attached printouts for detail.
Christian Zither Tag: red label-maker tag impressed with, NO. 16.DescriptionThis is an early version of the autoharp, a type of fretless zither with bars with felt mutes that are depressed to mute some of the strings, allowing strumming of chords.
Strings: 32. Lowest gauged strings on the left. Lowest strings are wound.
Body: Wood, painted and finished black. Back is painted flat black. Straight cut on left side. Bottom side is straight cut but set at an upward angle. Right side curves outward, then inward to a corner; then angles upward to meet the top. Top is straight, narrow, and flat. Three nuts; two angled at top, one at bottom. All nuts are wood, painted black, and have an iron bar down the middle. Chord damper section is directly over the soundhole; wood, painted black, purple felt and white finger buttons.
Pitches: Pitch designation label for all strings is directly below the soundhole. Label is white celluloid with black solid print; attached to soundboard with three small nails. Below staff are the pitch letters and number for the corresponding chord and melody strings:
g c f g a a# b c d d# e f f# g g# a #a b c #c d d# e f #f g g# a #a b c
5 1 2 5 6 6* 7 1 2 2* 3 4 4* 5 5* 6 6* 7 1 1* 2 2* 3 4 4* 5 5* 6 6* 7 1
Note: * indicates number is outlined in black.
Chord Damper Section: Two side pieces, wood, painted black, attached to soundboard with two small screws on either side. Eight chord damper bars, painted black, purple felt, white celluloid finger buttons and labels attached with small nails. Labels read as followed:
G A D Bb C F G C
MIN SEV MIN MAJ SEPT MAJ SEPT MAJ
5 6 2 6* 1 4 5 1
Note: * indicates number is outlined in black.
Note: * indicates number is outlined in black.
Wrest Pins: yes, iron.
Tuning Pins: twenty-eight, square-top, iron, rounded tip.
Table-top Rests: three, iron, round, conical tip.DimensionsLength 21"; 530 mm
Width 10"; 250 mmProvenanceNo known provenance.
Credit LinePaul and Jean Christian Collection, 2006
Object number11910
On View
Not on view
