Hammered dulcimer
Date1865-1875 ca.
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Modelnone
Serial No.none
SignednoneMarkingsnone
DescriptionRectangular wooden case (walnut) with hinged lid (decorative brass lock) and top molding simulating a writing desk; lid interior padded and lined with green linen, secured with red edging and small iron tacks; 2 front-oriented cabriole legs, 2 straight rear legs – not detachable; applied molding with hand-carved scalloped edge with dots; case stained and varnished throughout; metal chain supports lid.
Integral trapezoidal dulcimer with thin backboard/bottom; 9 double-strung treble courses, 4 double-strung bass courses; one-piece crenellated treble bridge and 4 individual bass bridges (flat, not chessman style); 26 tuning pins inserted into left-side pin block; 13 standard screws inserted into right-side pin block; continuous stringing; soundboard stained, unvarnished; 2 “s”-shaped soundholes to left of central bridge
The backboard/bottom is quite thin, a result of the instrument being built into a case. However, this also suggests an older vintage. Gifford describes this type of instrument as transitional, as it’s built into a rectangular case and has a trapezoidal shape.
DimensionsOverall height: 35-3/4 in (909 mm)
Case dimensions without legs (LxWxH):
41-1/4 in (1046 mm) x 17 in (432 mm) x 10-1/2 in (266 mm)
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number01325
On View
Not on view
1850-1875 ca.
1850-1900 ca.
1885-1910 ca.
