Is it I R Smith, or could it be J R Smith ?

JR Smith emigrated from the English midlands to Troy, NY, USA in the 19th cent. (post-Civil War, as I recall) to become one of the pre-eminent makers of jews harps in the US. He was a maker in England before then, I believe. His products are varied and generally really good. His nephews carried on in Troy into the 20th century.

Although I play JH, and live near Troy, NY, I owe everything I just wrote to Jim Kimball (Dr. James Kimball, State Univ. of NY at Genese NY). I reckon you could reach Jim through the University website, and might find a connection.

- George