Object Details
maker
C. F. Martin & Co.
Description
This harp guitar was made by C.F. Martin and Company of Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1905. Harp guitars were designed to provide a fuller bass response and more harmonic possibilities than standard guitars. According to Martin company records, this harp guitar was shipped in 1906 to Lewis & Son, violin dealers, in Chicago. The donor’s father, Fred Norman Vanderwalker is believed to have been the first owner of this harp guitar. This 000-28 model guitar, serial #10163, is one of five known harp guitars made by C.F. Martin and Company, none of which were made to the same specifications. It is notable for its double mahogany neck arrangement, large body style, highly figured rosewood ribs and back, and a harp peghead in the Viennese style of Johann Stauffer. C.F. Martin apprenticed in Johann Stauffer's shop before emigrating to America in 1833.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Janet V. Myers in memory of Fred N. Vanderwalker
date made
1905
ID Number
1992.0179.01
accession number
1992.0179
catalog number
1992.0179.01
Object Name
guitar
Measurements
overall: 43 1/4 in x 15 in x 4 3/4 in; 109.855 cm x 38.1 cm x 12.065 cm
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Nazareth
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Guitars
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_607125