French 7/8 -size Double Bass, Ascribed to A. Bernardel, Paris

Description:

French 7/8 -size Double Bass, Ascribed to A. Bernardel, Paris, late 1840s, with a carved lion's head, length of back 114 cm.

Certificate: Atelier Constantin Popescu, Greenwich, Connecticut, February 24, 2012.

Estimate $45,000-60,000

The instrument was made with a carved back. There is an internal repair label by Samuel Kolstein, NY. Has a repaired soundpost crack reinforced with a soundpost patch. Has a repaired neck button and a number of repaired rib cracks.

Top:
Repaired crack on top upper left bout, on top of the upper block.
2 repaired F-hole cracks
Left lower top corner area has been doubled.
Repaired top, Sound-post crack has been reenforced with a post patch, very well done, cleated beyond the patch.
Small repaired crack at the top lower right corner.
Top right lower corner has been rebuilt.
Top lower and upper corner have been doubled.
Top left lower corner had a small repair.

Back:
A repaired 5" crack close to the joint between the upper corners.
Restored button graft.

Ribs:
Upper left rib has 4 ea. 2" - 4" repaired cracks.
Left C-bout has 1 ea. 1" repaired crack.
Lower left rib has 1 ea. 2 1/2" repaired crack.
Right upper rib has 4 ea. 2" - 4" long cracks.
Right C-bout has no cracks.
Right lower rib has 5 ea. repaired 4" cracks.
Right lower rib has 1 ea. repaired 18" crack.

Has a French type neck graft.
All together this bass is in great shape.





The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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