A psaltery is a musical instrument in the same family as the autoharp or zither. Psalteries have been created for thousands of years. Along with the autoharp, they reached a level of popularity as a drawing room instrument in the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century.
This particular psaltery is American in origin. Crafted in New York in the late Nineteenth Century, the psaltery still sports its original label which states that it was designed by Satis Coleman. The maple case featured delicately rounded corners and a brilliant polish. In remarkably good condition, it’s still even (mostly) in tune.
I have no idea how to play it, but it does make for an attractive decorative item. Antique musical instruments have a very positive spirit about them. From their creation onward, they’ve brought joy to many people.
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