8531:1-1863

Pedal harp
Pedal-harp, carved, gilded and painted pine, with metal mechanisms, made by Georges Cousineau, France (Paris), 1780s
Georges Cousineau (1733-1804), Georges Cousineau, appointed Luthier (maker or repairer of stringed instruments) to Queen Marie Antoinette in 1775, invented the béquille (‘crutch’ action), an improvement on the crochette. Each string was placed between two crutch-shaped levers (hence the name) that turned in opposite directions when the pedal was pressed, resulting in more accurate semi-tones. This instrument is fitted with such an action.
Paris
Ca. 1785
Carved, gilt, planed and painted pine, with metal mechanisms