Appalachian Dulcimer (maker unknown), c. 1938, made in Tennessee, cherry stain varnish finish, chestnut and pine.
Trapezoid-shaped body, violin scroll head. Top and back of chestnut, sides and fretboard of pine. Five strings, thirteen frets; two diamond-shaped soundholes and one circular.
Folk hand-carved decorations showing Union flag-in-shield motif, Masonic compass and square, and vine on top. Back has lion shield, harp, bird (possibly Bald eagle), wolf, and vine carving. Glue, screw, and nail construction.
Large paper inside has a hand written biblical quote which ends, "�from the English version of the Holy Scriptures of 1611 A. D. Kingsport, Tennessee RT. 2."
Top had f-holes originally but they were filled in before finishing.
Overall length is 34 3/4 in. (88.3 cm.), 11 1/8 in. (28.2 cm.) wide, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at deepest point. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.).
A spectactular example of American folk art. Very well-preserved and original. Overall Original Artifact. Unrestored Condition.
