Antique Franz Schwarzer American Zither Instrument 1890s W/ Rare Photo
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4988 | Maker: Franz Schwarzer |
This auction is for an absolutely amazing musical instrument even if you do not collect zithers, this is a work or art. This zither was produced by Franz Schwarzer in Missouri in the late 1800's. This instrument has it all. The wood details are beautiful. The label is excellent and vibrant . The wood has an extraordinary depth to it. All mechanisms are flawless. Strings are perfect. Franz Schwarzer (b. Olmutz, Austria, 8 October 1828-d. Washing...ton, Missouri, 23 February 1904) and his wife, Josephine (d. 1912), left Austria and moved to America in 1864, eventually settling in Washington, Missouri. Schwarzer began building zithers, importing the German-silver frets, mother-of-pearl inlay, ivory, and wood veneers from Europe. In 1873, he entered three of his zithers into the International Exhibition in Vienna and won the coveted Gold Medal of Progress.According to a study of Schwarzer's life and work, "Schwarzer designed, often with the help of his wife, the inlay patterns on the top and edges of the instrument[s]. In the early years of the factory he did all of the finer work . . . . The veneer for the top of the zither was cut from rosewood, tulipwood, mahogany, or some other finish wood. Rare still is the large antique photo that was also used in Zither advertisements. This listing also includes the as rare invitation cards to Zither performances as well as an instructional guideInstrument Dimensions: approx 22 1/2" x 10" x 2"
Please see the pictures for the condition of the item(s).
Please review the photos of the item as the photos take precedence over any written description.
This would make an excellent addition to any Instrument or Antique photo collection.
I will combine shipping on lots as much as I can.
I can take additional pictures if needed.
Please contact me with any questions that you may have before bidding.
Payment is due within 5 days of the auctions closing.
Buyer must notify me within 24 hours of receiving the item if it is damaged otherwise no return is accepted.
Please contact me if the shipping charge calculated seems excessive.
Thank you!On Jun-21-19 at 04:41:37 PDT, seller added the following information:Thank you to a very knowledgeable Ebayer that provided the following information on the Zither from the serial number (6251)
The zither was originally sold to Alf O Muller of Omaha, NE on April 30, 1895.This serial number clearly indicates that it was produced during Schwarzer's lifetime (he died Feb 1904).The model is a Lady Concert Zither, Model #94 where the free strings are slightly closer together for a smaller woman's hand.
00149
Please see the pictures for the condition of the item(s).
Please review the photos of the item as the photos take precedence over any written description.
This would make an excellent addition to any Instrument or Antique photo collection.
I will combine shipping on lots as much as I can.
I can take additional pictures if needed.
Please contact me with any questions that you may have before bidding.
Payment is due within 5 days of the auctions closing.
Buyer must notify me within 24 hours of receiving the item if it is damaged otherwise no return is accepted.
Please contact me if the shipping charge calculated seems excessive.
Thank you!On Jun-21-19 at 04:41:37 PDT, seller added the following information:Thank you to a very knowledgeable Ebayer that provided the following information on the Zither from the serial number (6251)
The zither was originally sold to Alf O Muller of Omaha, NE on April 30, 1895.This serial number clearly indicates that it was produced during Schwarzer's lifetime (he died Feb 1904).The model is a Lady Concert Zither, Model #94 where the free strings are slightly closer together for a smaller woman's hand.
00149
