Chitariglia attributed to Giovanni Smit in Milan, circa 1645...

Hammer

£18,000

Chitariglia attributed to Giovanni Smit in Milan, circa 1645; Back and sides: multi-section ribbed bowl back; Top: fine grain spruce with foliate mastic decorations, bone and mastic binding to the outside and bone and mastic inlay to the sound hole, with intricate paper architectural rosette to the sound hole; Neck: continuous bone and wood inlay; Fretboard: inlaid bone and ebony with gut frets; Case: contemporary fitted Kingham custom hard case; Nut width: 44mm; Scale length: 490mm; Length of back: 360mm approx; Total length: 740mm

* Giovanni Smit (b.1601 d.1646) was originally from Fussen, Germany, before settling in Milan, Italy. Formerly of the Harvey Hope collection. See reference 'Guitar Review, no. 30', 1968, page 23

Ivory exemption submission reference E5F54MMA

More Information

From what we can ascertain, most appears to be original aside from a large repair to the upper back and a few other smaller repairs. The plate sitting over the bridge also appears to be a later addition. Personal viewing advised