Offered for sale is this unusual vintage hammered dulcimer, believed to be a Thai Butterfly Khim / Khim Phi Suea, a traditional Thai stringed instrument played with a pair of lightweight wooden or bamboo beaters.
I cannot confirm the exact maker or date, so I am listing it carefully as believed to be a Thai Khim based on its shape, dimensions, string layout, bridges, decorative sound holes and accompanying beaters.
The instrument measures approximately:
* 80 cm long * 33 cm wide * 12 cm deep
This size and the distinctive scalloped / butterfly-shaped body are consistent with traditional Thai butterfly khim instruments.
It has a pale soundboard with dark polished hardwood surround, numerous metal strings, brass tuning pins, two long bridge sections and decorative pierced brass-coloured sound-hole covers. One of the decorative panels features a musician/goddess-style figure with a peacock-style motif.
It also comes with its matching shaped wooden lid/case section and two original-style playing beaters.
The instrument has been in our family for at least 35 years and was originally purchased by my uncle during his travels, so it is certainly vintage and may be older. Unfortunately, I do not have any paperwork confirming its exact origin, maker or manufacturing date.
Condition
Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description.
This is a vintage instrument and shows wear consistent with age, storage and use.
There are scratches, marks, small knocks and areas of wear to the polished wooden finish.
Most importantly, there is visible separation/cracking to some of the joints around the wooden body/lid, as clearly photographed. There are also areas where older glue, filler or previous repair work may be present.
The soundboard and surrounding timber show general age-related wear and marks.
The strings and tuning hardware appear substantially present, although I have not counted or individually tested every string, and I cannot guarantee that it is correctly strung or tuned.
I have not attempted to tune, tighten or professionally assess the instrument, as I do not want to risk damaging an older instrument by applying unnecessary string tension.
The instrument is therefore being sold as seen and untested, and I would recommend that anyone intending to play it has it inspected, serviced and tuned by someone familiar with khim / hammered dulcimer instruments.
The matching wooden lid also shows age-related wear and some joint separation, but remains a very attractive and important part of the set.
Despite the condition issues, it is an impressive and unusual instrument with considerable decorative appeal and would suit a collector of traditional Asian instruments, world music enthusiast, musician, theatre/film prop collection or decorative display.
Included in the sale:
* Believed vintage Thai Butterfly Khim / hammered dulcimer * Matching shaped wooden lid * Pair of playing beaters
Please note: Identification is based on research and comparison with known examples. I am not claiming a specific maker, exact age or guaranteed Thai origin without documentary evidence.