From the prominent Pajot family (Allier, France), this is a six string "vielle a roue" in the lute form. A highly ornamented folk-instrument, this example is in need of a full, expert restoration. Strongly featuring an expertly carved figurehead atop the pegbox, maker's stamps are present on either side of keyboard, and on back of figure's "neck". The ribbed, lute, shaped box is of maple, walnut, and spruce top and is trimmed with bone, ebony, marquetry, floral paint, and delicate carvings. Overall mechanics appear to be intact, from wheel to crank, but is missing wheel cover. Torn paper label visible via sound holes