Historic Keyboard Instruments - July 2020

The square piano arrived in England at some point in the c1760’s and gave affluent society a first taste of an instrument that allowed variation in volume – the term piano forte means soft loud. They quickly became an essential item in fashionable houses and surprisingly large numbers still exist. Although perhaps not up to sustaining a vigorous rendition of ‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis, they are still a delight for those who enjoy recreating contemporary music and appreciate beautifully made period furniture.

We were pleased to be offering these four examples in our Auction Sale of the 9th July 2020.

Lot 59  Jacobus Ball (c1794)
A square piano in a mahogany case on a trestle base. The fascia bearing the inscription ‘Jacobus Ball Londini Fecit 1794 ‘Patent’ Duke Street Grosvenor Square.’ Hammer Price:  £1,250.

Lot 43  Longman & Broderip (c1780’s)
A square piano in a mahogany case on a tray base with a 4 ½ octave compass. The fascia bearing the inscription 'Longman and Broderip, Musical Instrument Makers, No 26 Cheapside and No 13 Haymarket, London'. Hammer Price:  £920.

Lot 67  Clementi & Co (c1810)
A square piano in a mahogany case with ebony stringing and rosewood crossbanding, with applied ormolu edging.  Supported on a lyre shaped frame with one pedal. The fascia bearing the inscription ‘New Patent Clementi & Co., Cheapside, London’. Hammer Price:  £750.

Lot 76  Thomas Tomkison  (c1820’s)
A cabinet piano in a mahogany and inlaid case with turned front supports. The fascia bearing the inscription ‘Thomas Tomkison Dean Street, Soho, Maker to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent’. The front having an ormolu border to a rosette fabric panel. Hammer Price:  £1,500.

Sold in our July 2020 auction.