Hammered Dulcimer

Object/Artifact

-

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Name/Title

Hammered Dulcimer

Entry/Object ID

2025.05.001.a-g

Description

One hammered dulcimer, sometimes called a hammer dulcimer, set into a lidded case, with a craved wooden stand. The case has a hinged top with two cords on each side to keep it propped open. Two triangular panels on each side of the top can be removed to gain access to the pegs and storage compartments. On the right side there are 12 sets of 4 raised iron pegs alternating with 11 sets of 3 iron pegs, which have wire stings that are attached to small raised studs on the other side. There is a black painted sounding board with two circular resonator holes, both of which have a gold floral motif painted around them. One has a gold wooden insert with a spiral pattern carved into it. One bridge, pierced with circular holes, is situated to the left of center, and another is on the far right. The following words are stenciled in gold on the underside of lid: “P. Wight, Maker / Alabama, NY ". Includes 1 hammer, one tuner, and 1 key along with extra strings.

Context

The hammered dulcimer is a percussion stringed instrument that is an ancient ancestor of the piano. Its history dates to at least the early 18th century in America. Strings are stretched across a trapezoid shaped hollow resonant sounding board. Bridges are placed to create a treble side and a bass side. Occasionally a dulcimer will have only one bridge and at other times a third small bridge is added to create more low notes. Small “hammers’ are used to strike the strings. The instrument can be placed in the lap or on a stand. Several dulcimer makers thrived in Western New York in the 1850’s and 60’s. This dulcimer was made by Perry Wight (1831-1862) of Alabama, New York. It is one of three made by him in the GCV&M collection.

Collection

Genesee Country Village and Museum

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Perry Wight

Date made

1852 - 1862

Place

Town

Alabama

State/Province

New York

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Makers Mark

Location

Inside lid

Transcription

P. Wight / Alabama, NY. Inside the words is a star with "rays" coming out of it like a sun.

Language

English

Material/Technique

Stencilled

Lexicon

Search Terms

P. Wight, Dulcimer

Dimensions

Height

4 in

Width

39-1/4 in

Length

14-1/4 in

Dimension Notes

Stand is 22 1/2 in H x 37 in W x 15 1/2 in L

Parts

Count

7

Parts

1 dulcimer (a), 1 stand(b), 2 removeable storage lids (c,d), 1 hammer (e), 1 tuner (f), 1 key (g)

Accessories

Notes

Extra wire

Material

Wood, Metal

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

P. Wight, Perry Wight

Related Places

Place

Town

Alabama

State/Province

New York

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America