Antique French Chromatique or Chromatic Parcel Gilt Concert Harp, labeled Pleyel, Wolff, Lyon et Cie, Paris, # 598, Harp syst. Gve (Gustave) Lyon Brevete; fruitwood frame with giltwood crown and base. According to the book Harps and Harpists by Roslyn Rensch, which accompanies this lot, the Pleyel, Wolff and Lyon "Chromatique" Harp (which has double strings but no pedal) made its debut in 1897. It was characterized by its lack of pedals (eliminating pedal noise) and double string, with a range of almost 6 1/2 octaves. It became part of the program of instruction at the best known conservatories in Paris and Brussels for a time, but eventually fell out of popular favor (despite Pleyel's commissioning of Claude Debussy to compose an ensemble piece for the harp: "Danse Sacree et Danse Profane"). Also included with this lot is a giltwood Neoclassical style chair with needlepoint seat. Harp - 72" H x 39 1/2" W x 22 1/2" D. Chair - 35" H x 17 5/16" W x 17 1/2" D. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

Minor losses to gilding, age-appropriate shrinkage checks to wood elements. Sound capabilities have not been assessed nor are they guaranteed. It is offered in "as is" condition as a decorative harp.