Help date an autoharp / chromaharp

Subject: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST,J Graves
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 12:15 PM

I bought my first autoharp off ebay. It was listed as vintage, but really it looks like it's in too nice of condition to be older then 10 years. I don't really care one way or the other but I am curious.

There isn't a model number anywhere on the thing. Can anyone help me date it?

Main photo
Bottom detail
Chromaharp logo

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: jgraves
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 03:55 PM

I ended up figuring it out for myself by simply looking at newer models. Seems that it is indeed not vintage at all and is actually just a used, but current model. I was hoping for vintage for some reason ... I suppose I thought it would have more "life" to it. Or make it more special. haha :)

I suppose this is just as well though. I paid a reasonable price and it's in good condition. I'm missing the case and tuning wrench so in the end I suppose the deal wasn't THAT good. Aah well!

I can't wait to get home, tune the thing up and start playing around with it.

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 03:57 PM

PM sent

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: beeliner
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 07:24 PM

Flip down the pin block cover, as a general rule, the first two digits of the serial number are the year of manufacture, but there might be exceptions.

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 07:31 PM

I don't date autoharps as I generally try to date within my own species or at least something closely related. Beside, autoharps are always strung out............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Dec 16 - 05:44 PM

I can't find any serial numbers anywhere on my grandmothers old autoharp, but I know it's vintage because she used to use it teaching when I was 5, and I am 53. Can anyone tell me where to find the model number and serial number on it?

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 15 Dec 16 - 01:36 PM

Guest:

If you can describe this instrument in detail, we can probably date it for you. We need to know how many strings, how many chord bars, what does the decal look like and what does the label inside look like. A few pix would be even more helpful.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST,Justin
Date: 14 Feb 17 - 04:47 PM

I have an older chromaharp and am having trouble dating it, 469857 is the number in the hole

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Aug 18 - 01:39 PM

autoharp trademark registered 5515

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jul 21 - 11:17 AM

I have an enameled ivory autoharp w a sticker OS-21C serial 971231
Not sure if this was original can you tell me where and when made
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help date an autoharp / chromaharp
From: GUEST,#
Date: 31 Jul 21 - 01:50 PM

To: GUEST Date: 31 Jul 21 - 11:17 AM

It's an Oscar Schmidt. You'll need to go to their site and see what you can find.

I have not emailed this poster.