Goff Instruments - June 2021

The lawyer turned harpsichord maker, Thomas Goff who was faintly related to royalty, collaborated with the celebrated cabinet maker Joseph C Cobby on most of his output.

Although considered a salaried employee by the great man, Cobby was always scrupulously credited on the fall board of the exquisite instruments produced on the upper floor of Goffs London townhouse.

Cobby was reputedly able to judge the difference between an 89 and 90 degree angle with forefinger and thumb. His cases were always made with great economy of time, effort and words.

In our forthcoming sale we have two examples the former bearing the legend T.R.C.G. ET J.C.C. FECERUNT MCMLVI ( which illustrates neatly that not all latin is entirely elegant). Both are wonderful examples of this rarified art form.