1901, New York, serial number 99,999, the paneled case raised on fluted tapering circular legs joined by shaped stretchers, grey-painted with gilt-highlighted carved ornament, the exterior of lid polychrome-painted with a border of foliate scrolls, urns and cartouches enclosing profile portraits of various composers painted en grisaille, the interior of lid painted with a scene of a shepherd instructing a maiden in playing a flute, observed by more maidens and a young man concealed by a shrub, signed ''Arthur Thomas'' and dated 1907, the music shelf painted with foliate scrolls and a vignette of cherubs with a book, together with a matching bench, 39.5'' H x 58'' W x 84'' D, est: $30,000/40,000
Provenance: The Estate of Hulett C. Merritt, Pasadena, CA; Private Collection, South Pasadena, CA, acquired at auction from the above, 1956

Overall good condition. The case with general rubbed wear, nicks and marks commensurate with age and use. Rubbed wear and chips to gilding revealing red bole and white gesso. A 6.5'' dia. circular water mark to exterior of lid. A shrinkage crack to lid and one to right cheek. Scattered minor nicks along edges and moldings. Minor wear and nicks to legs. Craquelure throughout painted surfaces. A few scattered minor losses to painted surfaces. Several cracks to soundboard.