MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: 'MULLER'S' MONOPOL AUTO-HARP AND PLECTRUM

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Julis T Muller

c. 1903

Overview

a) Flat lacquered wood box, with twenty-five steel strings. Across the centre of these strings is a wooden box containing felt dampers operated by six brass stops. When the stops are pressed, the tone of the strings is altered by pressure of dampers. Strings are attached to metal pegs, strung across the sounding board and looped over small metal pins at the other end. Surface of instrument below the strings is elaborately inlaid in different coloured woods in a picture of flowers, leaves and a butterfly. The box supporting the stops is inlaid with brass design of a lyre encircled by a wreath. Also inlaid on this box is "Muller's Auto-Harp" "Monopol". Six brass buttons are attached. The lower part of the base has a celluloid plaque beneath the strings giving string number, string note and a staff with the note on. At one end of the upper box is a paper label. On opposite edge of base is a metal plate, oval. The base has four brass studs to raise it from the table.

b) Plectrum for above. Curved brass plectrum for plucking strings.

Historical information

Auto-Harp - Muller's Auto-Harp - a stringed table musical instruments; and plectrum. The original plectrum is attached, but the last five strings have been replaced with modern versions by the donor Mrs Bannear.

Julios T Müller produced the first autoharps from 1870s onwards, although he called it an 'akkordzither'. His factory was located in Dresden.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-1986.154a-b

Item type

Objects

Inscriptions and markings

Julis T Muller

Keywords

Music

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BANNEAR, Edith