NMM 7384. Harpsichord by Andreas Ruckers the Elder, Antwerp, 1607.
Ex coll.: Wolfgang Ruf, Emmetten, Switzerland.
Rawlins Fund, 1999.

NMM 7384. Harpsichord by Andreas Ruckers the Elder, Antwerp, 1607. Single manual. Disposition described below. The earliest known dated harpsichord by Andreas Ruckers. Rose with "AR" flanking a harp-playing angel; soundboard with painted decoration including the date "1607"; although the case was redecorated during the 18th and/or 19th century, it is essentially unaltered, retaining its original dimensions, internal construction, bottom board, and tool compartment with a door in the spine. The original bridges, nuts, and key frame were retained in the petit ravalement during which the keys and action were replaced. The date "12 octobre 1757" is written on the key frame. Ex coll.: Wolfgang Ruf, Emmetten, Switzerland. Rawlins fund, 1999.

Plan View and Dimensions

Dimensions: Length 1812 mm; width 720 mm; height of case 245 mm with the bottom board, 230 mm without. Original specifications: Compass C/E to c3 (45 notes); disposition 1 x 8' + 1 x 4', with 8' buff stop divided at f1/f#1. String lengths (measured from the plugged holes of the original bridge and nut pins): 8' 4' c3 174 mm 86 mm f#2 250.5 123 c2 359 174.5 f#1 500 242 c1 689 334 f# 901 446 c 1113.5 569.5 C/E 1366 748 Intermediate state: Compass C/E to c3 (45 notes); disposition 2 x 8'. Present state: Compass C to d3 (51 notes); disposition 2 x 8' + 1 x 4', with buff stop (divided at b) simultaneously affecting both sets of 8' strings. The longer 8' c2 string is 363 mm long.

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Detail of Rose

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Views of Tool Compartment on Spine

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