Vintage Zither

The item is a vintage zither, likely a chord zither or autoharp variant, characterized by its flat, generally trapezoidal or rectangular wooden body. It features numerous strings stretched across the soundboard. The predominant color of the soundboard appears to be a dark, possibly aged or lacquered, wood tone, contrasting with the lighter, natural wood color of the bridges or string guides. The instrument exhibits a central, circular soundhole. Visible through the soundhole, there appears to be a label or marking, identifying the manufacturer, though the text is partially obscured. The strings are quite numerous and are arranged in an organized fashion, indicative of a chord zither where strings are grouped to facilitate playing chords by damping unwanted strings with a felt bar. Along the top and right angled edge, there are tuning pins, suggesting a hand-tuned instrument. The wood shows significant signs of age and wear, including surface scratches, dust accumulation, and a dulling of what might have been a polished finish. There are no overt signs of repair or major damage, though the general condition suggests it has not been actively maintained or played for some time. The craftsmanship appears to be standard for mass-produced instruments of its type, likely dating from the late 19th to mid-20th century, given its construction and general appearance. The precise age and quality would benefit from clearer images of the label and a more detailed inspection of the wood and hardware.

Explore similar items and categories: