Fretted clavichord by Arnold Dolmetsch for Gaveau, Paris, 19...

Hammer

£1,600

Fretted clavichord by Arnold Dolmetsch for Gaveau, Paris, 1914, the case of sycamore with kingwood crossbanding, the lid interior inscribed PLVS FAIT DOVCEUR QVE VIOLENCE, the keyboard with four octaves and two notes, C to d2, with ebony naturals with gilded arcading and ivory overlaid accidentals, on four spirally turned legs, inscribed on the name baton FAIT PAR GAVEAU A PARIS MDCCCCXIV NO 35, length 44.5", 113cm, width 15.5", 39.5cm

*Ivory submission reference GXBGHHE9

More Information

CONDITION REPORT November 2024

Lot 2501

CLAVICHORD

Unfretted clavichord by Arnold Dolmetsch for Gaveau, Paris, 1914.

Details:

The case of sycamore with kingwood crossbanding, the lid interior inscribed ‘PLVS FAIT DOVCEUR QVE VIOLENCE’. The keyboard with four octaves and two notes, C to d2, with ebony naturals, gilded arcading and ivory overlaid accidentals.

Four spirally turned legs, inscribed on the name baton ‘FAIT PAR GAVEAU A PARIS MDCCCCXIV NO 35’.

Length 44.5", 113cm, width 15.5", 39.5cm.

Condition:

Tuning close to A415Hz.

There is a split in the soundboard which has also come loose on the belly bar. These are both fairly easy repairs to rectify.

Evidence of some tuning pin holes near the bass being either re-drilled at a later stage for more side bearing or drilled incorrectly and plugged in the first place.

Looks good structurally.

Good playing condition.

The kingwood crossbanding veneer on the lid is in poor condition.

Observations noted in the condition report are based on obvious signs to the naked eye from an experienced restorer. They are designed for quick analysis of their condition, leaving interested parties to carry out their own personal inspection. Please note that actions have not been removed from instruments.