Irish harp

Royal portable Irish harp by John Egan, dated May 1818. labelled 'John Egan, Dawson Street, Dublin'. 29 strings, painted green and gilt. Since John Egan is credited with the invention of this instrument in 1819 when his patent was taken out, this may be a prototype. Longest string 755 mm. 'Made from pine and willow, painted bright green with gold shamrock pattern, twenty-nine gut strings' (M. Jessup).