France
‘Damianos’

Spruce, Mahogany, ebony, mother of pearl
ca. 1835
Height: 31.1 inches
Strings – Lutes – Guitars

An early six-string French lyre guitar with original label: ‘Damianos.’ 

This decorative parlor instrument of the 1800’s has hallow arms and a headstock/tuner at the end of the fretted neck that is attached to the crossbar. It stands on a pedestal, which is a classic feature of the French lyre guitars. It has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides.  Mother of pearl inlays are around the sound holes.  There is an ebony neck and peghead with six ebony pegs.  

The lyre-guitar enjoyed great popularity as a salon or parlor instrument especially in Paris between 1780 and 1820. It became very much in vogue and pervaded the highest levels of society.