Alpine Zither - Image 2

Franz Schwarzer (1828-1904) developed the Arion Harp Zither model in 1880, to produce greater volume and better tone than previous models. It has a large, round body that, along with the ornately turned pillar, is characteristic of Alpine harp zithers. Inlaid with ivory and abalone, exemplifying the finest of the Schwarzer zither models, this instrument has 43 strings (5 melody and 38 accompaniment strings). It is preserved along with its original, ivory-handled tuning hammer, tortoise-shell picks, and a large collection of the original owner's music.