Hurdy-gurdy

Hurdy gurdy. The lute-shaped body is formed from alternate ribs of sycamore and kingwood. The pine belly is edged with barber's pole decoration of kingwood and bone. The keybox is of sycamore, with a later stained fruitwood lid. The wheel cover and tailpiece are overlaid with ebony. The table is edged with kingwood and bone segments. The pegbox is decorated with a punched pattern of a traditional type, and is surmounted by carved female head. The six strings comprise two chanterelle, trompette, mouche and two bourdons. The iron handle is S-shaped. The vibrating bridge for the trompette string is missing. Total length 26 inches. Stamped on the side of the keybox: THOUVENEL HENRY/TH/A MIRECOURT.