Second quarter 20th century

 

Swiss movement

 

Grandeurs Glorious.. 

 

When wound with captive key underside and the keyboard lid fully lifted, the first of two musical airs play from thick cylinder two-per-turn good quality Reuge movement hidden within the case, stopping when lid is closed.  Main lid opens and props up to assume position for the performance.

 

In gilt metal frame grand piano-form case, red velvet lined interior with a deep void for jewellery or valuables, under the hinged shaped lid with an internal enamel study of three young maidens enjoying the fruits of the woodland garden, seated reading poetry guided by young man, whilst accompanied by standing man with early guitar, study framed with band of white enamel.  Lid top with a superb enamel view of a reclining man trying to woo the affections of two ladies within huge classical ruined garden, with young lambs roaming next to a river, shaped edge.

Side of one continuous uninterrupted band of enamel bearing musical instrument-playing Putti against the branches of trees, keyboard lid with oboe and score with flower garland, back panel with ribbon and garland roundels, all held in place by the very fine pierced and chased gilt metal frieze.  

On three conical legs in natural beige enamel, underside with key and suspended pedals on lyre support.

 

Complete with pianist's chair, with balloon back.  Cushioned enamel back of a lady dancing with floral wreath in country setting, the seat depicting a stump-seated man with early guitar, held with pierced gilt frieze, star branches to back and apron, on Rococo swept legs.  Start/stop as keyboard lid.

 

Size - 4.5/8in. wide, 6.3/4in. deep, height lid closed 3.3/4in., lid open height 6.1/2in. - (11.5 x 17 x 9.5 x 16.5cm)

Chair height 2.5/8in. (6.6cm)

 

Point of Interest - 

 

This is larger in every direction compared to the few others we have seen and handled.  This larger broader proportion really does do the enamel views justice, with the fine quality still very evident, the colours to a wide palette and the setting in the 18th century fashion being all the more visible to the eye. 

And the music is grander too - the movement very efficiently provides two airs on a two-per-turn arrangement with that close-cut single section comb having a very warm and elegant tone. 

 

Take a look at the chair.  A complete piano musical masterpiece, ready to set up and admire with great pleasure.