Early American Maker of Jew's Harps

(MUSIC). CRANE, CHARLES. Account Book of a Metal Worker, Ulysses, New York, 1815-25. In ink. Legible. Good condition. Narrow folio. 135 pp. Laid in are several receipts. Contemp. calf backed boards, worn. $1,650.00

Charles Crane was a metal worker making all sorts of metal objects in New York state, including cranks, spindles, kettles, knives, chisels, pitchforks, hinges, spikes, scythes, nails, axes, etc. He also makes Jew's Harps.This small musical instrument is said to have been fairly common on the frontier regions of early America, because it was inexpensive and often used for trading with Indians. Between 1815 and 1819, Crane made and sold 13 Jew's Harps. In 1817 he raised his prices from 12 to 12-1/2 cents. In 1815 he repaired a Jew's Harp: "to putting tung on Jew's Harp for Jake--6 cents."

Crane seems to have been a fairly advanced toolmaker. The journal lists him making and selling tap and turning gouges, sash and turning chisels, and a 1-1/2 inch chisel.

Primary or even secondary material concerning the making of Jew's Harps in early America appears to be highly elusive.