early 19th century, the brass action plate carries serial number 3117 with a modern Clive Morley "Quality Seal" affixed below, while the right plate is engraved with Erard's Paris address; maple veneers over maple construction with a replaced spruce soundboard; 46 strings, seven pedals and five elliptical soundholes; the pillar has applied 22KT gold leaf decoration with Gothic tracery, its conforming hexagonal capital features five heavenly musicians; the whole surmounted with a gilt German finial of hand-carved pear wood depicting Mary with the Immaculate Heart.
77 in. high with finial; 70 in. high without finial.
Purchased from venerable English harp specialist Clive Morley in 1994 and in present consignor's possession since 1998

Additional high-resolution photos are available at LelandLittle.com

The harp is regulated and in very good playing condition, its soundboard being replaced in 2000 by master restorer and builder Howard Bryan of Lynchburg, Virginia; a very few trivial marks on the harp's wood and gilded surfaces; the finial is not original to the harp and is easily removed if so desired.