Gregori Harpsichord 1786

With acknowledgement to Boalch-Mould Online, it is worth quoting the entry for this maker:

Elpidio Gregori. Italian harpsichord maker and organ builder of Sant’Elpidio a Mare, 1725–1812. Like his father Nicola, Elpidio spent his entire life in the town of Sant’Elpido a Mare. Born 12 May 1725, he married Eusebia Sacripanti on 11 January 1749 and had nine children (six girls and three boys), none of whom seem to have continued their father’s profession. His residence and workshop coincided at no.81 in the Sant’Elpidio contrada. He died on 21 December 1812 and was buried in the Collegiata of Sant’Elpidio.  Four signed harpsichords by Elpidio survive, and six additional instruments are attributable to him. The misinterpretation of the dates on two well-known harpsichords by this maker – BMO-575 (ex-Barnes Collection, previously dated 1736, now dated 1786) and BMO-576 (ex-Finchcocks Collection, previously dated both 1679 and 1697, now dated 1797) – has led to considerable confusion over the dating of instruments by the family as well as the identities of the two makers. Elpidio was also active as an organ builder and maintained various organs in the town.

It is indeed unlikely that this instrument was made in 1736, because Gregori would only have been eleven years old!  It seems likely that the date was misread, and it was actually made in 1786.  However, it does have the style of a much older instrument, possibly because it was made in the rural east of Italy.  

This harpsichord was purchased by the late John Barnes in 1953, and is still with the family.  It is now offered for sale.  

It is listed in Boalch-Mould OnLine as BMO 575, where the date is still given as 1736.  Work done by John Barnes included replacing the centre-section of the wrestplank, and it is now quilled with Delrin; it is possible that the original plectra were leather.  Most of the jacks appear to be original.  The compass is C/E short octave - d3, e3.  2 x 8', buff.  It has been regularly maintained, and is in good playing order.

It is in Frome, Somerset; it is open to offers around £30,000.  

Please contact Peter Barnes    peterbarnes850@btinternet.com