New York
John Hanley

Wood, metal, gilded
ca.1841 C.E.
Height: 68 in, Width: 34 in, Depth: 21 in (bottom)
Strings – Harps

Engraved on harp:  J. Hanley from London / Premium Patent Harp Maker / New York / 22nd St. 3rd Avenue 

A John Hanley mid-19^th century (1841 C.E.) Grecian style harp with Grecian figures and motifs, paw feet, and seven (7) foot pedals.  The brass action plate displays the serial number, while the right plate is engraved with John Hanley’s address.  This harp consists of maple veneers over maple construction with a spruce soundboard, 46 strings, and five (5) elliptical sound holes.  The pillar has applied 22KT gold leaf decoration with gothic tracery, and its conforming hexagonal capital features five heavenly musician goddesses: 

John Hanley claimed to be a pupil of the famous harp maker Sebastien Erard of London and advertised as the “maker of the patent double action harp.” (NYBD 1846:170)  In 1841, he was awarded a silver medal for a harp he exhibited at the Third Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics’ Association Exhibition; the judges noting that “This instrument was made by an English artist, who has recently established a manufactory of harps in the city of New York”  (MCMA:83)  Also in 1841, Hanley received a silver medal for a “superior harp” exhibited at the American Institute Fair; and in 1850, at the same fair, Hanley was awarded a diploma for a “Double Harp of Elegant Workmanship.” (American Institute Records)   At the 1853 New York Crystal Palace, Hanley whose named appeared in the catalog as Hawley, entered a “Grand gothic double action harp of 6 1/2 octaves.” (Official Catalogue  1853:95)  

Dates and Locations:  
[1841 – Harp maker    22nd n. Ave. 3 ]
[1842-43 – Premium patent ‘double’ and ‘action’ harps – Premium patent ‘double’ harps] 
[1844-45  –  ‘Action’ harps   85 Anthony] 
[1846 – ‘Action’ harps    413 Broadway]  
[1847-48  Harp   196 Fulton]
[1849 – Harp   233 Broadway]