Antique Chartola Grand bell harp (or fretless zither) made by the Chartola Company at 87 Ferry St. in Jersey City, New Jersey. It is over 100 years old, has never been restored, and has the original label showing the cost at the time of $30.00. That was a significant cost in those days, and would be equal to $566 today! The label also reads "distributed exclusively for the Chartola Co.". (Oscar Schmidt was the actual maker for Chartola.)
This instrument has a 4 finger "chord-thumping" device and would have read: 4/D, 3/F, 2/G, and 1/C. and, Pat. Applied For on the bar. The thumper mechanism was operated by the player lifting one of the metal tabs, then releasing it, causing the apparatus (which is equipped with a hard felt pad) to spring downward, striking the 4 strings of the selected chord all at once.
It measures 19 inches by 13 inches by 2 ½ in depth, and weighs 5 ½ pounds. There are 3 decals on the instrument under the original darkened varnish. This is an early model circa 1914-early 1920s. It could certainly be restored, but in its current condition would display well as a wall hanger. Last 2 close up photos are examples from a restored instrument.
Example of a restored version being played is found at this link. https://youtu.be/ppSxspseoDc?si=qx4T6JigHGWGfIsM