L&H had many different sequences of serial numbers but this model appears in the 1911 L&H catalog so it would have been made in or near that year. This striking harp was built in Chicago by the skilled European Craftsmen at the W&W Musical Instrument Company, also known as Venus Harps. Here is a very nice looking Lyon& Healy American Professional Bb/A cornet. This is a New Model (1896-1905) Washburn and bears the1897 Style stamp. The "Aria" is characterized by a classic Art Nouveau motif of fluid vertical lines, flowers and vine tendrils which are hand carved into the Hard Maple column, base and feet along with a decorated Sitka Spruce soundboard. The Lyon & Healy Model 111 Washburn parlor guitar was introducedin 1896. lyon&healy washburn tenor banjo with birdseye maple rim.serial no.1726.Washburnlyon& healy banjos were made between 1880-1929,washburn was the brand name of lyon&healy of chicago.this banjo has a maple neck with diamond inlay in the frettboard and nice pearl inlay in the headstock,also has a kershner unique pat. The other harp shown is a beautifully ornate 47 string Venus "Aria" Concert Grand Pedal Harp. In honor of the harps first owner back in 1929, Anna O'Conner, I have named the harp "Anna". The bell key guards look as though they were attached after the engraving was done. It certainly is a little "gem" of harp history to be treasured and enjoyed for many years to come both visually and musically. Lyon Healy Serial Numbers The palm keys are Martin-like but the F key and the C keyguard look more Conn-like.
After these many years the harp has developed an attractive honey amber patina along with a warm, bright, full sound that once again emanates from this beautiful antique harp to inspire and soothe the heart and soul. This particular model has a figured maple body, a straight spruce soundboard with a flowering ivy decal, a bronzed fluted column and base along with decorative brass action plates, all topped by a distinctive and regal looking crown! This harp has been, remarkably, in the same family since 1929 until recently when, in December of 2012, I was fortunate enough to obtain it directly from the family.
This was the "golden era" of harp building by Lyon & Healy. Harps with these serial numbers are highly coveted for their sound and superb mechanism. It is considered by many that the Lyon & Healy harps with serial numbers in the 3000 range are from the best era of Lyon & Healy harp construction. This vintage harp is a Lyon & Healy Style 15 (#3314) Semi-Grand Pedal Harp with 46 strings that was built in Chicago and completed on June 6, 1929.