{"product_id":"f2cd28-antique-oscar-schmidt-no-4-autoharp-zither","title":"Antique Oscar Schmidt No. 4 Autoharp Zither – Early 1900s American Folk Instrument – Original Instruction Chart","description":"\u003cp\u003eAuthentic early 20th-century \u003cstrong\u003eOscar Schmidt Model No. 4 Autoharp\u003c\/strong\u003e, a classic American folk instrument produced in the United States during the early 1900s. This beautifully decorated autoharp features the distinctive \u003cstrong\u003eblack crackle lacquer finish with ornate gold stencil designs\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hallmark of early production examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInside the instrument remains the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal beginner’s instructional music chart\u003c\/strong\u003e, printed with the hymn \u003cem\u003e“Nearer My God to Thee.”\u003c\/em\u003e These charts were designed to sit beneath the strings so beginners could follow the numbered notation and quickly learn to play. Many of these paper charts were removed or lost over the years, making surviving examples increasingly desirable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAutoharps like this were commonly used in \u003cstrong\u003eparlor music, church gatherings, and early American folk traditions\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the Oscar Schmidt Company helped popularize the instrument across the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis piece retains its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal decorative finish, chord bar, and string layout\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it an attractive display instrument while still suitable for restoration or light playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaker: Oscar Schmidt\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eModel: No. 4\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMade in U.S.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEra: Early 1900s (circa 1915–1925)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal black crackle lacquer finish with gold stencil decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncludes original beginner instructional song chart\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTraditional zither-style autoharp construction\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA wonderful example of \u003cstrong\u003eearly American folk instrument craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e, perfect for collectors, musicians, or as vintage wall decor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Legacy Antiques \u0026 Consignment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52059300364581,"sku":"5091190251953","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0878\/8190\/8517\/files\/2026-03-07-4dCPBti--IMG_5630.jpg?v=1772895643","url":"https:\/\/inletlegacy.com\/products\/f2cd28-antique-oscar-schmidt-no-4-autoharp-zither","provider":"Legacy Antiques \u0026 Consignment","version":"1.0","type":"link"}