| Press Contact: | David Bonsey, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| Fine Musical Instruments | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
978-779-6241 ext. 224 |
978-779-6241 x231 |
SKINNER HOLDS ITS LARGEST
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AUCTION TO DATE
BOSTON, Mass. -May 12, 2004 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner's May 2nd auction of fine musical instruments was its largest to date, and offered one of the finest selections ever at the gallery. World record prices were achieved for American guitars by John D'Angelico and James D'Aquisto, a Spanish Guitar by Ignacio Fleta, several modern Italian violins, and a rare American keyed bugle by E. G. Wright of Boston.
Presentation Bugle
The 12-keyed presentation bugle (lot 186) was the object of intense speculation by museums, historical societies, and aficionados of Civil War Era musical instruments. One of approximately thirteen surviving presentation instruments designed for virtuosi by E. G. Wright, this keyed bugle was presented as a gift in appreciation to Daniel H. Chandler, founder and director of Chandler's Band, of Portland, Maine, which had been organized in 1833 and is now believed to be the second oldest professional performing band in continuous service in the United States. Under Chandler's leadership this band developed into one of the finest performing groups of its kind. In 1861, it entered into the service of the Union Army until the end of the Civil War, performing at Harper's Ferry, and furnishing music for the 1st, 10th, 25th, and 29th Maine regiments. Estimated at $2,5/3,500, the instrument finally brought $28,200 after intense telephone bidding.
Stringed Instruments
World record prices also were realized for several important modern Italian stringed instrument makers: a splendid violoncello by Gaetano Gadda (lot 41) of Mantua fetched $45,825, more than doubling the previous world record. With beautiful figured wood carved into a strong, full arch on its top and back, it was underbid by several dealers on its rarity and pedigree alone. The instrument was bought for its sound quality and acoustic projection by a recent graduate of New England Conservatory.
A first rate violin by Stefano Scarampella (lot 47) also of Mantua, brought a world record price of $76,375. Scarampella made instruments in a freely carved rustic style that appeared old when they were just finished, and that were held in such high esteem that he was the first modern Italian maker to be copied during his lifetime. This violin, made circa 1910, is in superb condition, with nary a crack in its top or back. "Scarampella instruments have been among the most sought after and highest appreciating instruments in the last twenty years, and also among the most often faked. He had a certain genius quality to his work, a very free, unhampered and rugged style. A well-conserved example like this one comes along very seldom," noted department director David Bonsey.
American record prices also were achieved for a violin by Marino Cappichioni (lot 46), an example in mint condition from 1963, that sold for $36,425; a violin by Evasio Emillio Guerra of Turin, 1932 (lot 52) that reached $27,025; and a violin by Ansaldo Poggi of Bologna, 1965 (lot 54) that brought $42,300. A United States auction record of $99,500 was paid for a decorated violin in near-mint condition by French maker Jean Baptiste Vuillaume (lot 49), dated 1867 and inlaid with fleur-de-lis, tendril patterns, and semi-precious jewels.
Fretted Instruments
Fretted instruments were highlighted by fine examples of American archtop guitars, ukuleles, and folk guitars. Lot 1, a Martin soprano 'ukulele whose body of highly flamed Hawaiian Koa wood graced the catalogue cover, brought $5,581, while its cover counterpart, a 1957 Excel jazz guitar by John D'Angelico (lot 28), brought an auction record $32,900. A 1963 classical guitar of Ignacio Fleta of Barcelona (lot 24), the favorite of maker master guitarist John Williams and others, brought $30,550; and a Model New Yorker by James D'Aquisto (lot 27) garnered $22,325.
Upcoming Auction Information
Skinner is currently accepting consignments for its autumn auction of fine musical instruments. Prices realized at the May 2nd auction are available at www.skinnerinc.com. For more information, call 978-779-6241, or visit www.skinnerinc.com.
Note to Editors: Photos available upon request. Contact Catherine Riedel at 978-779-6241 x 231.
About Skinner:With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Regularly seen on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, Skinner is one of the nation’s leading auction houses. Skinner conducts auctions year-round and has received world-record prices for many pieces sold at auction. Departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographica, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.