Hawaiian zither

Alternate name(s)

Fretless zither
Monochord
Zither, melody strings, played with slide

Date1928 ca.

Place MadeUnited States, North America

Modelnone

Serial No.134289

SignedStenciled in black paint below embossed decorations on front, in black paint, partially worn off: HAWAIIAN ZITHER / SERIAL No 134289 PATENTED APR. 21, 1928. [no such patent exists]MarkingsnoneDescriptionA one-string instrument in the shape of a trapezoid;
Hitch pin is located on the bottom rib; bridge is not original. Metal body, painted mustard-brown. On front of body are painted, in black, a piano-style keyboard at upper left, two roses around soundholes, embossed floral decorations, and signature and patent number at bottom.
Dimensionsmetal body: 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm.) at longest x 4 3/4 in. (121mm.) at widest, 1 3/4 in.
(45 mm.) at neck, x 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.) deep
added wooden neck: 22 in. (56 cm.) long
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.

Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979

Object number01396

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