Family tradition states that this harp was purchased in England for use by John Marshall's younger sister Jane Marshall Taylor (1779-1866). It was built by Sébastien Erard, a French piano and harpsichord maker who had workshops in London and Paris.

Although he did not own this harp, John Marshall is known to have had at least one instrument in his house. In 1815 he paid personal property tax on various luxuries including one instrument, either a harp, harpsichord, or piano.