19th century French guitar of the Lacote School, bearing an ...

Hammer

£1,900

19th century French guitar of the Lacote School, bearing an 'SP' wax seal to the head, thought to be from Madame Sidney Pratten; Back and sides: birds eye maple, minor marks and wear but generally very good for age; Top: natural spruce with multi-string banding to edges and decorative pearl inlay to sound hole rosette, infill repair between bridge and body end, refinished, light play wear; Neck: ebonised, wax seal to head face; Fretboard: ebony; Frets: mild wear; Hardware: engraved brass tuning strips with shaped buttons; Case: semi-rigid fibreboard case; Nut width: 48mm; Scale length: 630mm; Overall condition: good for age

*Sold with a small book inscribed with pencil notes headed 'Guitar notes from Giulia Pelzer, aged 90!'. 

Giulia Pelzer was a guitar teacher and sister of famous tutor and performer Madame Sidney Pratten. As with modern day teaching, it was often the case that a tutor would recommend of supply instruments to their pupils. The presence of the 'SP' monogramed wax seal could suggest that this guitar was supplied by Giulia's sister Sidney, who was well known for selecting and selling good quality guitars of this nature.

The guitar was purchased by the vendor from a musical instrument auction held by Bonhams, London, circa 2000. This notebook was found in the case pocket.