Single-action pedal harp
Maker
Sebastien Erard
Date1812
Place MadeLondon, England, Europe
ModelSingle-action Grecian pedal harp
Serial No.1495
SignedEngraved on brass plate, right side of neck: Sebastian Erard’s / Patent Harp N1495 / 18 Great Marlborough Street / LondonMarkingsnone
Description43 strings (EE-e4)
Single-action pedal mechanism with fourchettes. Grecian style decoration.
DimensionsHeight: 1683 mm
Maximum depth: 870 mm
Maximum width: 400 mm
Length, lowest string: 1410 mm
Length, shortest string: 80 mm
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Played by Jess W. Norris in the Voegeli Orchestra in Beresford, South Dakota and the Norris Harp Orchestra (harp, violin, and drums), Elk Point and Yankton, South Dakota, Ca. 1903-1930. Originally built for W. G. Percivall, St. James’ Street, Bath, [no date], according to Erard Stock Books. Donated to the University Museum (now the W. H. Over Museum) in 1935 by Mrs. Jess W. Norris. Damaged later and discarded in 1966; rescued by Professor Arne B. Larson.
Published ReferencesAndré P. Larson, The National Music Museum: A Pictorial Souvenir (Vermillion:
National Music Museum, 1988), p. 55.
Timothy D. Miller. The Origins and Development of the Pedal Steel Guitar. M.M.
Thesis. Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 2007.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number02733
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