New Models

At the upper bow of the middle part of the neck (crochet side) the harp  is branded with "J Louvet A Paris", which refers to Jean Louvet (1718-1793). Due to the carvings of the harp as well as the form of the instrument this harp should be made approximately 1755.

Harps by Louvet are extremely rare.
Additionally a very beautiful decoration, never seen at any other French Single Action harp of the 18^th century, is the specially made scroll at the joint neck to forepillar of this harp: Into the scroll the maker made a continuous cut ( break-through) to form a window which makes the scroll looking three-dimensional.

The carvings (neck, pillar, pedalbox) are well done in the style of the rococo period.

The soundboard is totally painted with delicious floral motives, maily with roses.  The back of the soundbox is made of 9 staves.

Due to the age of this harp, its rarity as well as its high historical value an extensive restoration will be done in 2008 (The mechanism has been restored by us already in 2006/2007). The harp will be playable and ready for concerts under the aspects of authenticity  and the use of correct historical string tension.
 
Literatur:
Albert Jacquot,
La Lutherie Lorraine Et Francaise Depuis Ses Origines Jusqu’a Nos Jours
Paris, 1912 (page 176)

Very rare and elegant  Single Action Harp,  made by the german harpmaker GRIMM, Berlin,  at the end of the 19th century

 

Engraving:

 "ERARD FRERES Par Brevêt d'Invention  No. 807 Facteurs de Forte Piano & de Harpes du Roi de ses menues Plaisiers De la Cour Impériale de Russie, de S.A.S.Monseigneur le Duc d'Orleans et de sa Fam.le Rue de Mail Nos. 13 & 21 à Paris"