Skip to main content
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: 1952Description21 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
Oscar Schmidt
1907 ca.
American mandolin harp
Oscar Schmidt
1904-1911 ca.
Chickering harp
Oscar Schmidt
1909 ca.
Menzenhauer's guitar-zither No. 2
Oscar Schmidt
1900-1904 ca.
Menzenhauer's guitar-zither No. 0 or 1
Oscar Schmidt Company
1897-1910 ca.
We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site or by closing or clicking "I agree", you agree to the use of cookies. I agree