Centennial harp
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Fretless zither
- Psaltery
- Zither, melody strings
- Toy zither
- Musical toy
- Mandolin zither
- Centennial zither
Date1878-1880 ca.
Place MadeChicago, Illinois, United States, North America
ModelCentennial Harp
Serial No.None
SignedStenciled in black ink on front: The Centennial Piano & Harp / Pat’d Mar. 5th. 1878. / Manufacturing Co. of ChicagoDescriptionMany instrument makers celebrate important American anniversaries through special edition instruments, like this Centennial Harp. In honor of the 100th anniversary of our independence, Danish immigrant Lauritz Anderson created and sold special zithers like this in his music store. This instrument could have been a souvenir or toy, as its simple design made it easier for someone without training to play. Anderson’s 1878 patent for a detachable hammer mechanism (not included here) allowed it to be played in two ways. Zither manufacturers routinely enhanced their instruments with mechanical gizmos, generating ongoing interest and sales.15 melody strings, numbered 1-15 and lettered C-C (diatonic)
Trapezoidal shape
Simple black-band decoration around top of resonation box
Wooden body, metal strings
3 round soundholesDimensionsLength: 18 in
Width: 10 inProvenanceAccording to Arne B. Larson, obtained in an antique shop in Evanston, Illinois, 1944.Published ReferencesArianna Van Kley and Michael Suing. _Of Thee I Sing: Origin, Heritage, and Patriotism_. National Music Museum, 2026: 72-73.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number03894
On View
On view
