United States of America
Connecticut

Wood, ebony, metal strings 
Early 20th century (1905 C.E.)
Total Length: 22.75 in; Width: 4.75 in
Strings – Lutes – Violin Family

American Pochette labeled: William S. Maynard, Norwich, CT (Connecticut), 1905.  The violin family was notably associated with dance music during the 17^th century.  They were used in the royal courts and other places of nobility, as well as by street musicians and tavern masters, before they were used in churches.   In particular, the pochette was used by dance masters not only during dances, but when teaching as well.  Even the great luthier Antonio Stradivari is known to have made a few pochettes in his career.  Two are known to have survived to modern times and are on display at the Paris Conservatoire Museum. These small string instruments were designed to fit in a pocket, hence its common name, the ‘pochette’ (French for small pocket).