Clark Irish Harps: History?

Subject: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: margaret
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 11:55 PM

Can anyone give me any information on the Clark Irish Harp company? I have one which was bought in a so-called curiosity shop, and the dealer there said it was from the 1820s. I don't know anything about the company or its founding, but I would have guessed from looking at it that it's more likely from the late 19th century or even the early 20th. How long was the company in existence? Are there any features I should look for that would help to date it?

I was just now poking around on some harp sites but I wasn't turning up anything useful so I figured I'd try Mudcat, since in my brief tenure here I have never been let down once with what I thought were hopelessly obscure queries.

Thanks, and happy new year too! Margaret

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 09 Jan 00 - 01:28 AM

There was a Clark Music Co. in Syracuse NY and they once made harps. Rhe same company do you think? If so contact The Onondaga County Historical Society and Museum, Syracuse NY.

Don

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: margaret
Date: 09 Jan 00 - 05:02 PM

Thanks, Don. I was holding back on you; it says "Syracuse" right on the harp, I just forgot to mention that! I hadn't known that they made other instruments as well. I will go ahead and try contacting the historical society. Meanwhile, if anyone else has information . . .

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 09 Jan 00 - 05:26 PM

There is still a Clark music company in Syracuse. Same company but now they are just piano dealers. Try the phone book.

Don

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 10:28 AM

See:

http://www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu/spring-2010/pulling-strings.html

I have spoken with the author. Well researched and interesting. I have also repaired many Clark Irish Harps

Meville Clark died in 1953. His harp business died with him. Most of the Clark harps that show up were built between 1915 and 1953, although There are a very few that are a bit older, but Clark was not building harps in the 1820's.
Arsalaan Fay

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 12:23 PM

Don't know if Margaret is still around after 11 years, but FWIW:

The dealer was probably mistaking it for an Egan Royal Portable (to which the Clarks bear some resemblance). These were indeed made in the first half of the 19th century, in Dublin.

I only ever played one Clark, and thought it had a lovely sweet tone. Nice to see Arsalaan checking in here, and to have this thread resurrected.

Subject: RE: Clark Irish Harps: History?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 12:26 PM

Ambiguity alert: I meant that the EGANS were made in 19th-c Dublin.