Diatonic harp
Date1800 ca.
Place MadeGermany, Europe
Serial No.none
SignednoneDescriptionThis is a Germanic folk harp with typical curved soundbox. The use of birch may suggest a mountainous region of construction.The pre-industrial screw used to attach the pillar to the soundbox points to a date before 1830.
28 strings, presumably tuned diatonically
Sound box rectangular in cross section; with a pronounced lengthwise curve in the direction of the strings
Sides of maple (Acer- this and other woods identified by microscope examination), dovetailed to the lower end, in which there is a large oval soundhole (177 x 55 mm.).
Back of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) except for a strip of oak along the central line; reinforced by an internal rib along the central line.
Soundboard of quarter-sawed spruce (picea abies), with the grain running horizontally, i. e., at a right angle to the central line of the soundbox.
Six roses, each consisting of a central drilled home surrounded by five drilled holes (all about 5 mm. in diameter)
The central line of the soundboard is reinforced by n external and an internal rib, which serve to hold the ivory (or bone) pegs for the strings.
Pillar made of two pieces, spliced together; lower section of spruce (picea abies), at the bottom attached to the soundbox with a large screw; upper section with a scroll (similar to that of a ‘cello).
Neck of birch (Betulus); iron wrest pins, slotted to receive the strings.
Sides and back of soundbox with rather dark varnish. Soundboard with a lighter varnish.
Bottom and side edges of soundboard surrounded by a ¾-round molding, stained black.
Neck and rib at center of soundboard stained black.
Pillar (including scroll) and two small turned feet at bottom of soundbox stained black and later covered with gold-colored bronze paint.
DimensionsLongest string: 1007 mm
Shortest string: 113 mm
Pillar length: 1489
Soundbox: length at back (measured as the chord of the curve): 1117
width at bottom: 400
width at top (just below rounding): 151
Credit LineArne B. Larson Estate
Object number05776
On View
Not on view1850-1890 ca.
1890-1910 ca.
1530 ca.
1680-1730 ca.