The nyckelharpa is a stringed instrument, native to Sweden, played
like a violin. Similar instruments were also found in Germany.

Did this Swedish instrument influence Henry Sandell's invention of
the Mills Violano?  Did it also influence the design of the Hupfeld
Phonoliszt Violina?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v56JcmKzNU
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyckelharpa 

Dave Krall
Hammond, Indiana