Signed 'Sébastian Érards Patent N 1426, 18 Great Marlborough Street, London', finely carved with neoclassical decoration.

5 ft. 7 1/2 in. x 35 x 17 in.

Note: A nearly identical pedal harp by Sébastian Érards, circa 1815-1820, is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. A gift of Mildred Diling in 1978. It is signed: Maker to The Royal Family, His Most Christian Majesty, the King of France and H. J. M. the Emperor of all the Russias. 

Sébastian Érards (1752-1831) of German origin was a well regarded musical instrument maker in Paris and London. He briefly fled Paris during the Revolution to set up shop on Great Marlborough Street in London. He holds many patents for sophisticated instruments and several commissions for the French aristocracy including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. 

Property from the Estate of Ralph Vuolo, Greenwich, CT

Wear is consistent with age and use. Typical wear to the gilt and painted surface with minor chips, nicks and losses. There are a variety of different types of string. Gilt-metal plate is worn and tarnished. Minor age crack and the painted panels have seam separations at the back.