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Our Auction Page
This contains the lists for forthcoming auctions, and notes and results follow if we have been able to attend.
We offer our grateful thanks especially to Sarah MacCormack (Bonhams) and to Richard Reason(Piano Auctions) not just for making us so welcome, but for their kindness in supplying as much information as possible in advance. We try to make the descriptions as complete as possible, but we do have to work with the fact that most of the pianos have not actually been seen by the Auctioneers until they arrive at the Saleroom. There has been the occasional surprise!
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Piano Auctions' List
There were three squares in the Sale on June 24th, all by Broadwoods.
Pictures by, and by courtesy of, Piano Auctions Ltd
The first was number 2131, inscribed 'Johannes Broadwood Londini Fecit
1793', and is
therefore one of the last signed by John Broadwood alone, in the year
that his son James Shudi Broadwood was made partner. Still
with the original style straight brass under-dampers, this this
five-octave piano still has all the looks of the very first Broadwood
squares, and this seems to be a good example. Against an estimate
of £500 - £700, the hammer price was a substantial
£1700.
This one needs a fair amount of work: a full set of authentic strings for a start, and the tuning pins, although neat and serviceable, look very 'modern', and could be replaced by a more appropriate authentic hand-forged set. However, the stand, castors, nameboard and keyboard were all good.
The substantial price confirms the feeling that 18th-century 'Classics' are increasingly sought-after.
This one needs a fair amount of work: a full set of authentic strings for a start, and the tuning pins, although neat and serviceable, look very 'modern', and could be replaced by a more appropriate authentic hand-forged set. However, the stand, castors, nameboard and keyboard were all good.
The substantial price confirms the feeling that 18th-century 'Classics' are increasingly sought-after.
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Next we saw the return of number 3714, a slightly later piano, 1797,
with a larger 5½octaves compass. This one seems to
have acquired somewhat later
legs, probably as an early 'fashion' update. Also, it almost
certainly did not have those frets originally, but it is
possible that these were cut into the nameboard more than 200 years
ago. The subsequent treatment of the frets is probably more
recent, but it
would be a simple matter to substitute frets to the original Broadwood
pattern. This one had good strings, original pins, and was
basically sound. Some attention needed, but against the estimate of £300 - 500, it sold this time for an encouraging hammer-price of £700.
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Thirdly, there was a somewhat later piano, number 26599, 1821 - 22.
This was interesting in having seven pairs of close-covered
strings from FF - BB, then three pairs of red brass. This pattern
was to last for several years. Sadly, but predictably, this
potentially fine piano sold for just £130
(Estimate £300 - £500). Somebody has a real
bargain.
There was the usual gathering of Friends of Square Pianos on the Wednesday (23rd June) before the sale, when we had a record turnout of about ten Friends. This is a good opportunity to meet other people with the same interests, to chat, and to exchange advice and opinions. Next meeting 8th September!
www.pianoauctions.co.uk******************
There was the usual gathering of Friends of Square Pianos on the Wednesday (23rd June) before the sale, when we had a record turnout of about ten Friends. This is a good opportunity to meet other people with the same interests, to chat, and to exchange advice and opinions. Next meeting 8th September!
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Bonhams, Knowle
Monday, 28th June
Bonhams Summer Festival!
To celebrate my birthday (well, nearly) Sarah and her team at Bonhams arranged a truly spectacular line-up at Knowle on June 28th.
As expeceted, the star of the show was the very special Tomkison cabinet upright. These 'wall-climbers' can be somewhat oppressive, but this early example was truly charming. This did well, but the squares less so against possibly ambitious estimates. Read on...
There were EIGHT square pianos:
Firstly, we have a very tidy-looking Astor from around the turn of the century.
Estimate £700 - £1,000: not sold
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Next, a return appearance by the unique Beck & Corrie. This is a fascinating piano, and we never quite solved the mystery of this partnership. It needs some attention, but it could be a very pretty piano. Estimate £400 - 600. Not sold at auction, but subsequently acquired by one of the Friends present. We hope to feature more about this one, including discoveries about 'Corrie' (not Corri) and the plans and progress of the restoration
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A beautiful and very unusual Houston, probably the earliest known by this skilful maker. Inscribed 'James Henry Houston, 95 Wardour Street'. Single action. Estimate £1,000 - 1500. Not sold.
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A beautiful early William Rolfe - love that nameboard! This is the famous painting with sweet peas, Turk's cap lilies, and blue auriculas. Escapement action. Estimate £700 - 1000. Not sold
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Then a Goulding, Phipps, D'Almaine & Co. (missing French stand).
Escapement action. Estimate £700 - 1,000. Not sold.
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Thomas Tomkison, Maker to HRH the Prince Regent. Therefore after 1810. Nice looking piano, possibly on four legs rather than six? Estimate £600 - 800. Not sold.
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Broadwood, dated on bottom key 2 - 5 - 1826.
Just like my first square piano! Estimate £700 - £1000. Not sold
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A slightly later Broadwood, dated on bottom key 10 - 9 - 1828.
One of the first with four legs, and some nice brasswork above the keyboard.
Estimate £300 - 500. Not sold.
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A charming early Cottage Upright by Broadwood. Six octaves; the lowest note FF was really low enough for these small uprights, which at their best can have a sweet, gentle tone.
Estimate £300 - £500. A charming little piano, but - not sold.
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And finally, a truly magnificent
'Wall-Climber' cabinet piano, by Thomas Tomkison, who supplied at least
one piano for the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. This one is 'Maker
to HRH The Prince Regent', which presumably means it is earlier than
1820. 5½ octaves. This is a splendid piano, and with
all that length of string, could have a fine tone. And what a
looker!
Estimate £600 - 800.
Well, this was my bet for a good result - and it sold for a hammer price of £1850! Inevitably, perhaps, there were several competing Friends, but I tried to remain impartial. The good news is that the successful bidder is One of Us, and we look forward to sharing more about this lovely piano.
This is an early example of its type, and the height is a modest 5' 8" or so. Coupled with the 'light' appearance of the woods, this gives it a truly delicate and charming appearance.
Estimate £600 - 800.
Well, this was my bet for a good result - and it sold for a hammer price of £1850! Inevitably, perhaps, there were several competing Friends, but I tried to remain impartial. The good news is that the successful bidder is One of Us, and we look forward to sharing more about this lovely piano.
This is an early example of its type, and the height is a modest 5' 8" or so. Coupled with the 'light' appearance of the woods, this gives it a truly delicate and charming appearance.
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However, the most unusual attraction was this somewhat distressed
harpsichord Outer Case. 'Needs Tuning' as they say on ebay. Italian?
Iberian? Chinoiserie? I've certainly never seen
another one like it. It seems that this was the outer case for a
separate inner instrument, so surely the right thing is to make a new
harpsichord to fit.
Traces of a label remain - we can make out:
"Sig. Leopold ??
"Neg... Ant... [Antique Dealer]
" Terreno 45... [a sort of postcode?]
"Firenze." [Florence]
"Sig. Leopold ??
"Neg... Ant... [Antique Dealer]
" Terreno 45... [a sort of postcode?]
"Firenze." [Florence]
Estimate £1,000 - £1,500
Sold for a bargain £600
It's proably fair to say now that it is my personal opinion that this label is that of none other than the notorious forger and general rogue Leopoldo Franciolini.
Sold for a bargain £600
It's proably fair to say now that it is my personal opinion that this label is that of none other than the notorious forger and general rogue Leopoldo Franciolini.