PEDAL HARP, ERARD FRERES No. 613
c. 1805, classical-form, giltwood fluted corinthian column, the top with gilded rams' heads, garlands and stylized floral, tiger maple soundboard, seven petals and 42 strings (34 missing), on four reeded feet, 67.5"h; 30" at widest
etched in script on brass plate:PAR BREVIT INVENTION No. 613
ERARD FRERES Facteurs de Forte Piano & du Harpes du Roi des Ses Menus Plaisirs & de la Cour Imperale de Russie / Rue du Mail, No. 13 & 21 a Paris
Erard (Strasbourg/France, 1752-1831) came to Paris in 1768 when 16 years old. The Duchesse de Villeroy (d. 1816) became his patron providing him with a workshop at her mansion. In 1786 he made a pianoforte to accompany Marie Antoinette's singing voice. He left revolutionary Paris in 1792 for London establishing his shop on Great Marlborough St. where he concentrated on harps. In 1794 he is acknowledged as the first-ever British patent for a harp.
8 stings intact, 34 strings missing. Some small spots of loss in trim here and there.
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
Realized: $950 - Excluding Buyer's Premium
Absence of a condition statement does not imply the lot is in perfect condition, free from flaws, restoration, or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email or telephone to our gallery. Any condition statement given either verbally or written is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. CRN bears no responsibility for error or omission. All items are sold as is. All sales are final.
Lot 138 : PEDAL HARP, ERARD FRERES No. 613
Click on image to enlarge, then click on right or left side of image to view slideshow.