Rim near lid is separating treble hinge rhs cut to allow operation of the swell. Three decorative hinges in the form of straps, large, medium and small.

Pine plank underside, fords run length ways up to bell rail and planks run across from belly rail to keyboard usual arrangement. Stand one pedal-swell pedal stand is probably not original mouldings probably machined

Stand is bolted together but can separate into five parts, including pedal, joined with wing nuts "1/4"

1 single manual harpsichord

Jacob Kirckman and Abraham Kirckman, London, England, 1781

mahogany, oak, burr walnut, tulipwood, brass, ivory, ebony, 940 x 970 x 2220 mm

labelled ‘Jacobus et Abraham Kirckman Londini Fecerunt 1781’

1998.60.2 Castle 2

Ronald Castle recalled that the Kirckman harpsichord was ‘the piece that got the collection going’.

It was purchased directly from J George Morley, the harp, spinet and piano makers of London in October 1939.

When it arrived in New Zealand in 1940, Ronald Castle was able to declare it ‘the first original harpsichord to come to New Zealand.’

The Kirckman name became well known as the leading family of harpsichord and piano makers founded in London by Jacob Kirckman (1710 - 1792). His nephew Abraham Kirckman (-1737 - 1794) joined him in the business.

Jacob Kirckman’s business gained a reputation for constructing excellent harpsichords. He invented the ‘Nag’s Head Swell’ device - a shutter that rises and falls when operated by the foot pedal. This was developed to give the harpsichord the similar effect of an organ swell. This harpsichord features the swell device.