Name of Instrument: orpheoreon

Maker / Brand: Petrus Sabrianus (through Franciolini)

Stearns Catalog #: 1042

Country of Origin: Naples, Italy

Region of Origin: Europe

Instrument Category: Chordophone

Date of Fabrication: 19th C.

Location: CHO G 2

Description: This instrument comes to the Stearns Collection from a highly questionable source--Leopoldo Franciolini. Many Franciolini instruments are forgeries or interesting hybrids of original instruments and scrap wood. While this “Orpharion” (it is not one) has a printed label that is visible through the sound hole that reads, “Petrvs Sabrianus. Neapoli annis 1534” – the portion reading “Neapoli annis 1534” has clearly been pasted on at a later point in time. This instrument is not shaped, nor strung like an orpharion; the only orpharion-like feature is the pin bridge that can sit on an angle. The construction is of mediocre quality—both in materials and craftsmanship. The work is evident of a style not uncommon in 19th Century Italy.

Research: Dr. Bruce Mitchell Smith and Stearns Staff