Great Exhibition of 1851 interest -Important, historic and u...

Hammer

£40,000

Great Exhibition of 1851 interest -Important, historic and unique harp-guitar with bespoke stand made by D. Jose Gallegos of Spain and signed in mother of pearl on a circular plate positioned beneath the sound hole, the back and sides constructed of rosewood, the spruce table with alternating geometric mother of pearl banding and with further ornate mother of pearl inlaid bands enclosing the sound hole, the harp fitted with twenty six strings and the guitar with two double coarse and four single strings; the instrument also fitted with an angled extended cello neck fitted with three strings, all the strings attached to a pierced foliate engraved metal plate fastened to the lower bouts of the table and bearing an oval plaque inscribed Malaga 1849, also bearing a monogram inscribed on a small gold oval plaque to the pierced guitar headstock, with original harp turning key and within a bespoke made plush lined case.
This instrument is sold with the original ormolu and rosewood bespoke stand also made by D. Jose Gallegos, the stand fitted with height and horizontal adjustments, supported upon a short hexagonal tapered column and four curving pierced legs with folding extended ormolu scroll feet; also with a bespoke made carrying case.

* This instrument was shown at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London and was famously recorded in a wood engraved print after the painter C.N. Jarvas, which was reproduced for all posterity by several sources including Dover Books. The instrument was awarded the medal of the council of the SMB, and allegedly the praise of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert.

See Peter and Ann Mactaggart - Musical Instruments in the 1851 Exhibition, Gallegos,(D.Jose), Malaga, (Exhibit no. 272) [PL.14.]

The instrument was also shown at the Museo Cerralbo in the exhibition of 'Historical Musical Instruments in Spanish Collections' in 2001.
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** The harp-guitar has a long and interesting history and more recently has been located in Madrid music shop for several years. Originally we understand the instrument was commissioned from Jose Gallegos by the Duke of Montpensier as a special present for his wife in about 1846. Apparently the maker took a full four years and spent 2000 duros in expense to complete it. The guitar was then taken to Seville and demonstrated in front of the Duke who unfortunately refused to receive or pay for the instrument. It is also alleged after the sale fell through that he played it twice for Queen Victoria and also gave several successful public concerts. He also moved to New York where again he performed on the instrument. The whereabouts of the guitar-harp after this and before it came be located in the Madrid music shop is unknown.
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*** This instrument is also accompanied by a legal document indicating that the vendor has good title.

More Information

The condition of this instrument is excellent but it has not been played for many years so will require a little work and tuning to put it back into good playing order, see images for guidance, personal viewing always advised when possible.