Spinet by Hitchcock, T
Maker:
Hitchcock, T
Number of manuals:
one
Year:
1703-1710
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1700-1750
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Walnut, Spruce , Ebony
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
Origin:
England
Type:
Spinet
This harpsichord was made by Thomas Hitchcock in London, around 1703-1710. It is a bentside spinet with a compass of GG - g3, and a disposition of 1 x 8’. This instrument has a spruce soundboard, and ebony naturals with ivory arcade front and “skunk tail” accidentals. The nameboard is inscribed: “Thomas Hitchcock Londini Fecit No. 1228.” The jackrail is inscribed: “ACTI LABORES JUCUNDI” (labors are pleasant).
The inseparable case is made of walnut with two large ornamented brass hinges. The keyboard cover has three smaller brass hinges and a brass lock plate. The stand with turned legs is not original.
Thomas Hitchcock was a prolific spinet maker, producing over a thousand instruments in his lifetime
Credit: Smithsonian