Object of the Day: An Antique Psaltery

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.

Object of the Day: An Antique Fretless Zither

An extremely popular instrument in the Nineteenth Century, the zither, was welcomed into many homes because of its pleasing sound and portability. In the late 1800’s a version called the autoharp (which featured adjustable sliding chords) was introduced by a German musician. Zithers were often highly decorated with painted flowers, gold details, and often landscape scenes. Often played by young ladies, the zither offered a chance for a family to enjoy live music in the home. The first zithers date to China from around 400 BC. Similar instruments were crafted around the world for centuries. Relatively unchanged in principle from the earliest of these instruments, the Victorian zithers displayed a grace of design and a lightness of sound.


Though I have no idea how to play it, I found this zither and immediately was drawn to its shape and aesthetics. I display it as an art object and curiosity. Decidedly English Victorian with its ebonized frame and gold embellishment, this zither still retains all of its original strings. Having it nearby reminds me of a less cacophonous time and reminds me to appreciate the beautiful sounds around me.