Skinner, announced its Fine Musical Instruments Auction will be held on Sunday, October 11th in its Boston gallery at noon.
Vintage Guitars
This sale will feature a generous offering of twelve vintage guitars and one collectible ukulele from C.F. Martin & Co. Highlights include highly decorated 19th century guitars and two large body “prewar” instruments. Lot 17 is a circa 1888 model 0-28 guitar with “herringbone” binding, rosewood back and well preserved Adirondack spruce top. It is estimated at $2,800-$3,200 with its original “coffin” case. Offered also are two instruments from the “classic” Martin decade of 1928-1938. Lot 24 is a model 000-45 from 1928, with abalone inlaid binding and rosewood back and sides estimated at $8,000-$12,000, and Lot 29 is a Model 000-18 with mahogany back and sides with a rare shaded “sunburst” top estimated at $11,000-13,000.
Outstanding offerings from Gibson include a large-bodied model J-35 guitar from 1938 estimated at $7,000-$9,000 and a 1924 Master Model F-5 mandolin signed and tested by Lloyd Loar estimated at $70,000-$90,000.
A rare Lyon & Healy Model A Mandola circa 1920, with its characteristic violin scroll peghead, stained maple back and sides and original case is estimated at $800-$1,200. Notable solid body guitars include a Gibson Les Paul from 1961 from the collection of ex-Police guitarist and composer Andy Summers (Lot 14) estimated at $4,000-$6,000 and a mid-70’s Rickenbacker 481 with slanted frets, signed by original Beatles drummer Pete Best (Lot 21) estimated $600-$800.
Violins and Bows
Fine Italian violins include six instruments from the 18th century, originating from the regions of Piedmont, Genoa, Tuscany, Mantua, and Venice. Lot 35 is by Jacobus Cordanus of Genoa, circa 1770. It is sold with the certificate of W.E. Hill & Sons, and is estimated at $18,000-$24,000. Lot 36 is an interesting composite violin by Felicio Senta of Turin, with a later top by Bernardo Calcanius of Genoa. Its broad body and flat arching produce a strong sound with outstanding quality of projection. Sold with the certificate of Rembert Wurlitzer, it is estimated at $30,000-$40,000. Lot 42 is one of the finer existing examples of the rarely encountered Spirito Sorsana of Turin. It dates from around 1720, and has a beautiful one-piece back and is in very clean condition. It is estimated at $50,000-$70,000.
From Venice comes another composite violin, this one by Peter Guarneri, with a later top by Carlo Tononi (Lot 43). It is sold with the certificate of Dario D’Attili and is estimated at $15,000-$25,000. A 1766 violin by Florentine master Johannes Baptista Gabrielli in fine condition with a bright, responsive quality is sold with certificates from W.E. Hill and Sons and Rembert Wurlitzer, Inc., and is estimated at $50,000-$70,000. Lot 40 is the violin of the esteemed Houston Symphony former concertmaster Raphael Fliegel (1918-2004). It is a fine example by Mantua maker Tomasso Balestrieri, circa 1740, fashioned in the classic Mantua style of his forebears Peter Guarneri and Camillo Camilli, with a comfortable rounded body shape and full, flat arching that produces maximum projection in large concert halls. Sold with the certificate of Rembert Wurlitzer Inc., it is estimated at $70,000-$90,000.
Fine French bows are represented by Joseph Henry (Lot 43) estimated at $8,000-$10,000 and three by Eugene Sartory: Lot 65, Lot 133 and 155A, a ‘cello bow (estimated at $6,000-$8,000, $6,000-$8,000, and $14,000-$16,000, respectively). Featured also are many examples by Hill, Nurnberger, Ouchard, and Knopf.
Music Reception
On the evening of Friday, October 9th, Skinner will host a Reception & Extended Auction Preview featuring live music from the Mitch Seidman Duo. The reception begins at 5:30, with the auction preview extended until 7:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. to 617-350-5400.
Previews, Catalog and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Friday, Oct 9th from 12 to 7 p.m., on Saturday, Oct 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct 10th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Illustrated catalog #2477 is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery for $32. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogs, and bid live in real-time through Skinner-Live. To register for real-time bidding go to http://www.skinnerinc.com/buy-sell/skinner-live.php. Or, for more information call 508-970-3000.