1783 Broadwood at Cotswold Auctions  31 March - 1 April

Sold for £3,400 Hammer Price - £4,380 Total

From the Hicks Beach Estate, this early example of the first generation Broadwood squares was in the sale of Cotswold Auctions on  1 April.  Good to see the shade - these are so often lost.  Broadwood made these from unpainted soundboard-quality spruce, to be functional rather than decorative.  My own 1787 Broadwood benefits from one, and it does make a big difference to the sound, masking any action noise and intrusive elements, to give a smoother, sweeter tone.  

Beautiful ivories and nameboard - the oval name-panel is similar to the style used on contemporary Shudi & Broadwood harpsichords.  We note that the word 'Patent' is not on the nameboard - in 1783 the patent was not yet registered.  

Carefully restored: the stringing pattern looks right,

The bridge and soundboard are good; the soundboard is original, but has been rebuilt. We note also that the upper hitchpins are mounted diagonally - apparently directly into the soundboard, but secured by the major structural member beneath.  By 1784, all the hitchpins were in a straight row at the right.  

The casework is more elaborate than most, with decorative veneers and inlay.  These are reflected in the trestle stand, which unusually has elegant tapered legs.

The condition report indicates that a couple of notes are not working properly, so evidently some attention to the action will be necessary, but it looks like a good prospect to me.

Against an estimate of £500 - £800, the bidding was brisk, and the hammer fell at £3,400 - £4,380 with buyer's premium.

Images by courtesy of the Cotswold Auction Company  www.cotswoldauctions.co.uk