Original Item. Only One Available. This is an extremely rare German World War Two or interwar era Vertical Bell Glockenspiel, with what looks to be a soldered sheet brass body which has gone through heavy trauma. This example has a threaded hole at the top for attachment of a finial that is now absent. Whether this was a German WWII eagle or another device, we can not say. Most examples of these we have had were “German Silver” alloy, but this example is just brass and is likely a bit earlier. It features 13 steel keys that range from notes D up to A. The keys have German note names, including H for B natural and Fis for F Sharp, and as far as we can tell it is in the key of D, though it has both C natural (C) and C sharp (Cis). Unlike the usual modern chromatic Glockenspiel, this type also does not have the "black keys" offset to one side.

The design features Eagle's heads at the top of the arms of the lyre, and between these is a small base which would hold a Pole topper, possible a German Eagle & swas. The instrument is complete, however the seams of the brass body has come apart in many spots, and one of the eagles as shown is crimping heavily. It has a range of almost 2 octaves in the key of D only. The lyre bell measures 21 1/2 inches tall with a 4 ¾ inch brass pole base. The bell at the widest point measures 16 1/2 inches and overall the instrument stands 36 1/8 inches tall, including a wooden shaft. The wooden shaft appears to be original to the instrument and is in good shape. The wire which is holding the bars in place appears to be a modern replacement, but it works well.

The military lyre, or glockenspiel, is one of the more distinctive instruments used by the German Musikkorps. Used since the 1860s, it replaced the marching bands triangle and was one of the final instruments to complete its transformation into present modern form. Its unique pear shape and outer contours where originally inspired by the Greek lyre. This brass bodied percussion instrument has horizontal bars made of metal, which are struck with a hard rubber, or wood mallet. The number of tuned keys on earlier units usually ranged from 13 upward to 18. They where arranged vertically and affixed by wire. The lyra design ranged from simple-shaped tubular brass frames, down to the intricately crafted and heavier choir bell lyre, where the right and left frame arm ends had eagles heads crafted on to them. The frame ends sometimes had tails hanging down made of horse or buffalo hair with colors ranging with combinations of red, white and black . These 23 inch long tails where influenced by the 17th century Turkish Janissary musicians.

From 1936 onward, many Lyras adorned Eagles or political symbols which where located on the center upper cross bar between the ends. Lyres where produced by dozens of different manufacturers , and available in a variety of sizes, and finishes such nickel, silver, and chrome plating  This naturally increased the retail cost. A long wooden handle or spear, was attached under the lower body and acted as a grip, and also could be placed into a leather hanger that was supported over the musicians shoulders and hung around waist height.

Lyras where a distinctly German instrument that where commonly reused throughout the wars. Often old lyras where proudly utilized by the newly formed East German National Volksarmee, who embraced the old style imperialistic music, much to the complete horror of their West German counterparts who shifted into a more orchestra style format.