United States – possibly Chicago, Illinois
American

Wood, bone, metal, nylon strings
Late 19th – Early 20th century
Length: 38.5 in; Resonator Body Width 13 in; Depth: 4 in
Strings – Lutes – Guitars

The lyre guitar is a six single course guitar made in the shape of a lyre.  These instruments became popular at the end of the 19^th century as an accompaniment instrument to the popular mandolins.  They were made in this shape, in an attempt to make the guitar sound louder.  The color printed initials inside this guitar are over lapping, but they appear to be: AJG.  Also, the maker of this lyre guitar obviously had training in violin making as the F-holes are very well-done and there is extra wood trim on both shoulders for binding.  Each of the mechanical classical tuning pegs are made from white bone/ivory and above the open face peghead is a lion head in brass.  Scroll-type wood pieces adorned with mother-of-pearl connect the top of the lyre wings to the guitar peghead.

For in depth scholarly research on information and the history of the ‘Lyre Guitar,’ visit Gregg Miner’s website at:   Lyre Guitars, French Lyres (harpguitars.net)