Harpsichord 2M
Date1762
Artist/Maker
Jacob Kirckman
OriginEngland, London
MediumWalnut: lid, moldings, crossbanding, veneer panels on case (stump figure);
Oak: case substrate, pin block substrate;
Softwoods: bottom, inner framing;
Spruce: soundboard;
Holly: inscription inlay, case veneer string inlay;
Ivory: natural key tops;
Ebony: sharps;
Iron: tuning pins, pedal hardware;
Copper alloy: hinges, hooks, stop knobs, thumb latch
DimensionsNet dimensions exclude lid, stand and projecting moldings. All dimensions in mm except where noted.
Length: 2,332 mm (net 2,316 mm); Width: 938 mm (net 925 mm); Height: 889 mm (net 295 mm)
Length: 2,332 mm (net 2,316 mm); Width: 938 mm (net 925 mm); Height: 889 mm (net 295 mm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1934-38,A-D
DescriptionCASE DECORATION: The case is veneered with stump walnut panels, walnut crossbanding, and holly stringing. There are three brass lid hooks. A molding surrounds the base of the case. The inner rim (above the soundboard) is veneered with vertical-grained walnut with a single horizontal line of holly.KEYWELL: The keywell is veneered with stump walnut panels, mahogany[?] crossbanding, and holly stringing. The narrow removable batten over the upper keyboard has an inlayed holly inscription cartouche with an ink maker's inscription.
LID: The lid has two flaps to allow uncovering back to the nameboard or back just beyond the jack rail. The main lid section has three graduated "Tulip" strap hinges and eight butterfly hinges for the two flaps.
STAND AND PEDALS: The turned trestle stand is on forged casters with wood balls. A slightly later pedal is attached to the leg nearest the bass keys.
COMPASS: FF, GG–f3; 5 octaves
STOPS: There are two hand stops, the left for 4-foot and lute and the right for 8-foot dogleg and back 8-foot. A pedal probably added later in the eighteenth century turned off the 4-foot registerInscription(s)"Jacobus Kirckman Londini Fecit 1762" in ink on name battenProvenancePurchased by CWF in 1934 from dealer Lenygon & Morant of New York, NY
