{"product_id":"rare-antique-17th-century-stringed-instrument-1600s-with-museum-letter","title":"Rare Antique 17th Century Stringed Instrument 1600s with Museum Letter","description":"\u003cp\u003eUp for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-documented antique stringed instrument dating back to circa 1600. This is a true collector's piece and a remarkable slice of musical history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe instrument features a beautifully aged pear-shaped wooden body, a distinctive fretted neck, and striking crescent-moon decoration on the soundboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis piece comes complete with its vital historical documentation: an official, signed letter dated 9th June 1993 from James Yorke of the Furniture \u0026amp; Woodwork Collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V\u0026amp;A) in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, the curator notes that the instrument features fascinating historical elements and shares his expert suspicion that it originates from about 1600. He notes that it was likely heavily modified or \"cannibalized\" at a later date to serve as an artist's model or a theatrical prop once these instruments were no longer commonly played or understood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(The opinions expressed in this description are provided as a guide only.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 300 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth: 200 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 900 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e(All measurements are taken by hand and provided as a guide; Variations may occur.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigns of use are expected given its vintage nature. As our pieces are held in off-site storage, additional images or private inspections can be arranged for genuine enquiries, prior to reservation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oak \u0026 Old Time","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55478915596610,"sku":null,"price":3999.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0795\/9271\/8658\/files\/cyIlAa1d86a-bqDkMp2cPl5RHWc9KITVVyI0qbOY8-Vn1_4HKTWjnYSnHlFsTgnkY31r0juoNgj3niV6NLuEoC7xw6YSmHfeQMMhekyKjlEdesitPbQg_l50KND2OFhql2pQ4iyy9STuD9-ZV94TWKxcFkZ904ogASBtqUB7my0.png?v=1785716210","url":"https:\/\/bazaa.com.au\/products\/rare-antique-17th-century-stringed-instrument-1600s-with-museum-letter","provider":"Bazaa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}