An English guittar by Michael Rauche, London, third quarter ...

Hammer

£650

An English guittar by Michael Rauche, London, third quarter of the 18th century, the two piece back and ribs of maple, the table with incised floral rose, the pegbox laterally pegged for five double courses and one single course strings, square finial, the neck pierced for four cap tasto positions, the capo tasto of bone with brass fly nut, inscribed Rauche in ink on the button, total length 78.5cm

More Information

Several cracks in table, some open, the centre joint at the back open, both that and upper ribs with old worm damage, the head finial a later replacement, later bridge. It is difficult to know how much structural integrity has been undermined in the instrument by the presence of worm but there are about twenty holes in the back of the neck and several in the back of the body. See images for guidance. Personal viewing is strongly advised where possible.