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American mandolin harp
Alternate name:Fretless zither
Alternate name:Chord zither
Alternate name:Zither, chord, melody strings, gizmo, button-activated plucking mechanism over melody strings
Maker: Oscar Schmidt
Maker: Oscar Schmidt Company
Date: 1904-1911 ca.
Place Made:Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, North America
Model: American Mandolin Harp Style B
Serial No: none
SignedPrinted in yellow, gold, and black (label faded): [curved] AMERICAN MANDOLIN HARP / Style-B / Patented May 29,
1894 / September 26, 1899. / Sept. 27, 1899 June 8, 1900 / Manufactured by / OSCAR SCHMIDT / [curved] 87-101 Ferry St., Jersey City, N. J.
1894 / September 26, 1899. / Sept. 27, 1899 June 8, 1900 / Manufactured by / OSCAR SCHMIDT / [curved] 87-101 Ferry St., Jersey City, N. J.
MarkingsDecal on gizmo: PATENTED AND PATENTS PENDNG.
Decal on front: AMERICAN / MANDOLIN HARP / SPECIAL / NIAGARA MODEL
Decal on front: AMERICAN / MANDOLIN HARP / SPECIAL / NIAGARA MODEL
DescriptionFive chord groups with bass on right: A, D, F, G, C
Twenty-one melody strings
Two octaves plus C#, F#, and G3 in each octave
Melody strings played by pressing buttons on keyboard
Twenty-one melody strings
Two octaves plus C#, F#, and G3 in each octave
Melody strings played by pressing buttons on keyboard
Dimensions19.5” x 15.25”
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Terms
Credit Line: Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Not on view
Object number: 00097