Russell Appalachian Dulcimer

Object Details

Russell, S. F.

Description

This Appalachian dulcimer was made by Samuel F. Russell in Marion, Virginia, in 1939. It is a single bout dulcimer made of rosewood, with four strings, wood nut and bridge, 15 metal frets, diamond shaped inlay on fretboard, 2 F-shaped sound holes, outline carving on the edges of the soundboard to imitate purfling, carved out pegbox with 4 maple friction pegs, open “D” style tail, and violin-like carved head. There is a typed index card taped to the back of the instrument:

C 8 single bout Smith E 15 p. 52
tape label visible through S sound holes, "made by S. F.
Russell, Marion, Va. July 15, 1939" Fooled
procured from Mr. Russell at Whitetop, Va. in 1940's by Dr.
Eunice Kettering. Given to the Anne Grimes collection in
the ea ly 1950s by Dr. Kettering, a fine contemporary composer
and folk music collector (see Anne Grimes tape collection).
Dr. Kettering was then on the faculty of Ashland College, Ashland, Ohio.

Anne Grimes (1912-2004) was an American journalist, musician, and historian of American (particularly Midwestern) folklore. Grimes studied voice and piano at Ohio Wesleyan and initiated graduate studies at Ohio State University. Following her education, Grimes was a music teacher, music and dance critic, and radio host. After WWII, Grimes began collecting and documenting folk songs throughout Ohio, as well as collecting Appalachian dulcimers and zithers. She would continue this work, performing, recording, and lecturing on instruments from her collection throughout the rest of her career.

Location

Currently not on view

1939

ID Number

1996.0276.10

accession number

1996.0276

catalog number

1996.0276.10

collector/donor number

D15

Object Name

dulcimer

Physical Description

rosewood (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 3 1/2 in x 6 7/8 in x 35 7/8 in; 8.89 cm x 17.4625 cm x 91.1225 cm

place made

United States: Virginia, Marion

Related Publication

Smith, L. Allen. Catalogue of Pre-Revival Appalachian Dulcimers

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments

Music & Musical Instruments

Dulcimers

National Museum of American History

Record ID

nmah_608115

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-34dc-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa