Oscar Schmidt Antique Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither No. 2, Special Hudson-Fulton Model, 31-String, 1909

Oscar Schmidt Antique Menzenhauer Guitar-Zither No. 2, Special Hudson-Fulton Celebration Model, 31-String, 1909

Antique 31-String Zither, manufactured by Oscar Schmidt and distributed by U.S. Guitar-Zither Company. Special Model commemorating the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in late 1909, the 300th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River and the 100th Anniversary of Robert Fulton's first successful commercial application of the Paddle Steamer, held in New York and New Jersey. The celebration was commissioned by wealthy and influential New Yorkers of the time including J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. Special features include a depiction of the Halve Maen ("Half Moon" in Portuguese), the first sailboat to enter what is now New York Harbor which was captained by Hudson. The Netherlands presented the United States with a replica of the sailboat for the 1909 celebration.

This antique commemorative Zither is technically functional but has extensive wear including a cracked backpiece and missing 3rd leg button on bottom. Not tuned. Makes a unique addition to any antique instrument collection or a fantastic wall hanging for any bar or man cave. Great for history buffs!