An épinette des Vosges, or zither, France, 19th century, of maple and beechwood, with five strings and seventeen frets, 61.8cm. long. Provenance: Private Collection of Oliver Hoare (1945-2018); purchased Robert Young Antiques The épinette has been...

An épinette des Vosges, or zither, France, 19th century, of maple and beechwood, with five strings and seventeen frets, 61.8cm. long. Provenance: Private Collection of Oliver Hoare (1945-2018); purchased Robert Young Antiques The épinette has been attested as early as the 18th century in the Val-d'Ajol and Plombières-les-Bains regions of southern Vosges, whence comes its name. The earlier origins of the épinette des Vosges remain unknown, though some believe the instrument was introduced by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. It is, however, also possible that it is descended from the medieval psaltery. The épinette is diatonic, producing a heptatonic major scale. The number of frets increased from fourteen to seventeen during the 19th century, giving it a range of two and a half octaves. An almost identical example exists in the Museum of Soyotte, Vosges, France.
Good overall condition, with stings and pegs intact, small nicks to edges