Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/16/2006

Question
I inherited an odd, wooden-boxed, 12-string instrument I would like to restore and play but don't really know a whole lot about it.  I have digital pix if you want to see them.

The lid's label says, "Keith, Prowse & Co. Music Sellers Manufacturers of the Royal Patent Grand Euphenon and other musical instruments To The Royal Family, 131 Cheapside, London, Importers of Spanish Guitars, Violins, Violoncellos, and Roman Strings"

Well, for sure, this isn't a Euphenon (judging by the definition that I've looked up).  So what on earth is it and what was it tuned to?  Can I replace the strings with more modern equivalents?  All the remaining strings are of the same diameter so there isn't much differentiation between treble and bass.  The original strings were catgut and it has two bridges but no frets of any sort.

Help!

Ted Dentay
Mount Albert, Ontario
Canada

PS  Can you cc me on your reply along with the public version of any reply?  Thanks!  

Answer
The term apparently is applied both to a keyboard type instrument and to a jumbo guitar.  I would like to see the pictures, although, I don't know I'm going to be much help, as my area is brass instruments (in which case it would be an euphonium!  <g>

kenton@punxypa.com