Regarding whether this is a lap harp- I have seen old pictures of harps this size being played on a table while the player stands. As far as strings go, they are probably gut or horsehair- this harp doesn't look rugged enough for the tension of wire.
The straight pillar has me suspicious. Earlier (pre 1800) harps had a bowed pillar.The Celtic and gothic harps were bowed.Later European harps tend toward the straight pillar- the modern Paraquayan harp has one- it descends from the Spanish tradition.
The modern Welsh triple harp has a straight pillar, but the little silver harp which was offered as first prize at the old Eisteddfodd has a bowed pillar.
Personally, I would lean toward European origin.
Best- Julia