Dital harp.
1
Photo by Dominic Ibbotson © The University of Edinburgh
InstrumentDital harp |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
MakerLight |
Place MadeEurope; England; London; United Kingdom |
Date MadeEarly 19th Century |
DescriptionTechnical description: The lower section of the body (in plan view) is rounded, with straight sides from bridge level to the neck and column joints. The lower section is almost 90º to the soundboard. Seven ribs, the centre rib wider than the others. Two oblong holes, both 74 × 14. Three soundbars, one between the bridge and the top, one above the bridge, one below. Substantial bridge with supporting piece below the soundboard, attached by four screws and glue. The crest of the bridge has an ivory strip for the strings to go over. Raised fingerboard. Strings 1 - 6 have two places for the string to go (at different frets) so that they can play at one semitone or the other. The top string has access to seven frets above the highest open string position. Strings 7 - 19 each have semitone ditals. Note names are painted in gold on the back from E (lowest string) - C (highest dital string) in tone steps. each string has an ivory hold down that the string passes through to give a suitable amount of sidedraft. Wood-grained pedestal at the bottom with felt glued on for placing the instrument upright on the floor. Gilded "sunburst" rose. Hole for carrying the instrument in the headstock. Overall size: 856. Body length: 393. Body width: 344 (widest) - 265 (join). Body depth: 145 (deepest) - 80 (join). String length: full string lengths from bass to treble, 709, 668, 628, 591, 556, 521, 488, 455, 425, 396, 367, 337, 311, 285/269, 263/247, 241/228, 221/209, 203/191, 184/173. Inscribed "Light / Foley Place / London" and "Patent / No 200" at the top of the body. Decorative features: Grained in imitation rosewood. Soundboard and rib bands of brown/gold painted bands, with other bands on headstock and neck. Gilded 8 pointed star on Soundboard surrounded by two bands. Turned head and bottom of the column, gesso pattern near the top of the head. Pattern and raised turnings on the column, gilded, as are flutes. Painted brown/gold flower stems above and below flutes on the column. Seven sided case, lined inside with green cloth. handle in the centre of the lid, wire hold down hooks. Repair History: Lowest nut and top string nut missing. 4 string holder pins missing. Damage due to wear. Some of the joints are beginning to come apart. |
NotesD.P. Martin, 1996-1997. |
Measurements856. |
ProvenanceGovernment allocation to the University, 1991. |
CollectionC.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection; MIMEd |
Accession Number1110 |