Lot number 2698 - Auction 160
STÖSSEL LAUTE (AUCH STÖSSEL MANDOLINE)

STÖSSEL LUTE (ALSO STÖSSEL MANDOLIN) Cologne, c. 1915-1925 Flat body with a round soundhole, short fretted fingerboard, seven metal strings. Length approx. 43.5 cm, width 23.5 cm. Internal label: "STOESSEL, D.R.P. 296436, D.R.G.M. 646393, Geschm. 2288, built by Georg Stössel." Includes tuning key, songbook, and case. Developed by the Cologne violin maker Georg Stössel (1867-1943), the Stössel lute represents a unique hybrid of zither and lute. The instrument was patented starting in 1915 and marketed as an easy-to-learn folk and educational instrument. Partially restored and touched up. Literature: Cf. Liesmann: *Die Stössel-Laute*. In: *Neue Musikzeitung* (Regensburg) 20, 1981. Provenance: Private collection, Hesse.