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American mandolin harp
American mandolin harp
American mandolin harp

American mandolin harp

Alternate name(s)
  • Chord zither
  • Zither, chord, melody strings, gizmo, button-activated plucking mechanism over melody strings
  • Fretless zither
Distributor (distributor associated with Oscar Schmidt Company)
Date1904 -1926 ca.
Place MadeJersey City, New Jersey, United States, North America
ModelAmerican Mandolin Harp Style B
Serial No.1952 (batch number)
SignedPrinted on yellow paper label: AMERICAN MANDOLIN HARP / STYLE – B / Patented May 29, 1894. / September
26, 1899. / Sept. 27, 1899. June 5, 1900. / Manufactured by / United States Guitar Zither Co. / 87-100 Ferry St., Jersey City, N. J.
MarkingsDecal on gizmo: PATENTED AND PATENTS PENDING.
Die-stamped on back: 1952
Description21 melody strings and 20 strings comprising 5 four-note chords
DimensionsLength: 19 ¼”
Width: 15 3/8”
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number04283
On View
Not on view
American mandolin harp
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