Here’s the description from the listing:

”Unfortunately I can't tell you much about this Instrument it was my Dads so I’m not sure if it was bought or he made it, whichever way it is a beautiful Instrument. One of the strings is missing and there is a soft leatherette bag which was made of it.

Low starting price due to the origin of the instrument.  Ideal I suppose if you’re curious to know what one plays and sounds like.”

It hasn’t sold yet; it was on a 24 hour listing and didn’t get any bids. It’s now back up on a 10 day listing, but still collection only.

I ditto the "Doh!". I guess we will never know since it was an eBay sale and have no idea who sold it or may have purchased it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Doh!   How did I miss that! 

 So... yes, this is either a kit instrument built backwards, or someone's one-off 'mirror image'. Certainly not a commercial product.     I'd bet it's a kit of some kind built nose-to-tail.  The shallow-sloped tail end should actually be the shoulder below the tuning head, and the more rounded bout should be the tail!

Good thing you didn't buy this.  It may play OK, but it's only real value is as a curiosity.

I thought the same thing, Dusty!  Like the soundbox is inverted somehow.

Interesting dulcimer.  Is it an optical illusion or is the upper bout wider than the lower bout?

Okay. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

“ I assume you either bought this used or someone gave it to you.”

No; It appeared on eBay here in the UK but unfortunately the seller won’t ship it and it’s not local to me.

As usual, I agree with Ken. The inlay looks like a green heron to me, but could certainly be some other bird. Since you are inquiring, I assume you either bought this used or someone gave it to you. The use of ukulele friction pegs may place the date it was made somewhere in the 1970s when they were popular among one off or hobby builders.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

If there is no maker's label visible inside the bottom, below of the rear sound holes, chances are it is a personally-made instrument rather than a commercially made dulcimer.  Many personal instruments (better term than 'home made') which we make also have labels inside.   That fretboard inlay is nice, but is not like anything I've seen from the usual commercial builders. 

Hi folks,

Can anyone identify the likely make of the dulcimer in the pictures please? It has a distinctive inlay in the fretboard.

Or is it possibly home made?

Thanks

dulcimer 1.jpg  •  166KB

dulcimer 2.jpg  •  266KB