Glass Harmonica with 25 glasses

Glass Harmonica with 25 glasses

This set of glasses is found within a square-shaped case veneered with mahogany. The top quarter of the case raises to reveal 20 out of the original 25 blown glasses in a 5 by 5 layout. The glasses are blown to pitch indicated by the letter engraved at the bottom of the stem. Each one is in the form of footless goblet and is set in a hole in the sounding board.

The base has one drawer in the front. The Duncan Phyfe-style pedestal base with sabre legs and brass animal paw castors.

Unknown

11/13/19 12:51

Wilson, Kenneth. Musical glasses. Antiques Magazine, May 1961.

Left to Bishop James Henry Darlington by will of a woman aged 92 in Williamsport, about 1908. (Most likely Elizabeth Irvine Hepburn [b. 1816 - d. 1908])

Possibly New York

Presumably not FHS. Could be Alexander Coger, but not enough evidence. Would make sense as Duncan Phyfe was in (35 Partition–now Fulton–St.) NY, while Alexander Coger was in (3 Spruce, in 1821) NY too. Those two places are within walking distance from each other :O

Length 73.5 cm; Width 65 cm; Height 18.5 cm; Height (with stand) 88 cm

Two octaves, but unable to determine starting and ending notes.

Idiophone-Friction

A small letter is delicately engraved in script at the bottom of the stem. In addition, there is a message written in ink inside the drawer, which needs further inspection (semi-illegible).

Five glasses are missing from the set. The knob for the drawer is missing. The glasses are in good condition with no visible cracks. Large crack across top quarter and base of case.

Unknown

Karl Rabe

MC, KH, JW

Darlington Collection

Mahogany case. Blown glass.

Vassar Treasure Room

Unknown