19th c American (German) Pennsylvania Scheitholt (Zither) previously restored
19th c American (German) Pennsylvania Scheitholt (Zither)
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19th c American (German) Pennsylvania Scheitholt (Zither)
A Pennsylvania German zither, typically found in the Ohio & Pennsylvania Dutch counties. Known as the predecessor to the Appalachian mountain zither.
The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. identified the instrument for me as American.
I am not a musician & claim zero expertise, so you will have to judge the information/opinions I provide for yourself: I’ve provided lots of photos & will provide more if requested.
I would encourage response.
My opinion:
•Based on construction, I think this is early 19th century & unquestionably hand made. An American Primitive.
•This is 4-string, connoting an early construction.
•I see evidence of professional repairs (see photos). There is a patch on the neck & on one side.
•The smaller 6-leaf cut out has had 2 “fronds” replaced
•There is a newer, very shallow scratch to the finish (easily matched) visible in photos
•A close look at the pins(?) reveal that these are hand-forged iron nails, suggesting pre-Industrial Revolution.
•The strings appear to be iron & more modern replacements.
•Constructed of several different woods & guessing 3 or 4 different species & likely all from local American forests.
•I am certain the original finish has been restored but I am speculating that the dark finish at the base may be a remnant of the original.
•In general, there are spider web scratches & soft rounding to the edges as may be expected from an antique instrument.
•Not easily seen in photographs is the face (the soundboard?), which is slightly concave.
•A curator from the Library of Congress, Washington, DC cued me in to it\'s American origin.
Other than that, it makes a clear sound when I strum the strings – nice & clear (but hardly what I would call “music” from my lack of talent). I have not tightened the strings. I hope it plays well in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing.
If you live near Washington, D.C. you are welcome to try it out.
31.5\" long
This is ‘as found’ and ‘as is’ but I guess someone could actually play music.
Excepting the refinishing, I imagine this is museum quality as an early American instrument…. But, again, this is just my opinion.
It may bear no resemblance to what I am offering, but to sample the sound of a modern Scheitholt, go to:
[link removed by ]
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~ About the Descriptions ~
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