A BELLE ÈPOQUE LOUIS XV STYLE BRONZE DORÉ MOUNTED INLAID KINGWOOD, BOIS SATINE, BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD, CURLY BLACK WALNUT AND BIRD'S EYE MAPLE SEMI-CONCERT GRAND PIANO, CIRCA 1911-1920, WITH AN ERARD MOVEMENT, THE CASE PROBABLY DESIGNED BY FRANÇOIS LINKE, AND THE MOUNT DESIGNS LIKELY BY LÉON MESSAGÉ, PARIS, FRANCE, the lid is fitted with a smooth molded gilt bronze edge encasing a central sunburst rosewood inlay surrounded by a kingwood and bois satine interlocking, double "C" scroll encadrements, the lid opens to an interior with noyer flammé inlay, over a gilt harp with pierced cloud forms, stamped 1288, and a bois satine soundboard stenciled "Par Brevet d'Invention Seb & Pre Erard 13&21 ru du Mail Paris," the bird's eye maple lined case marked number 105395, surmounted by a quadruple crotched rosewood and bois satin band inlaid three part music rack, above a serpentine fall board with chevron inlaid rectangular cartouches centering a flammé inlaid shell fan form cartouche, lifting open and opposed by a brass boullework inlaid Erard signature within chevron bookmatched veneers, over an eight octave keyboard, within applied scrolling leaf, flower bud, and pansy bloom ormolu mounts, the sides have sunburst and chevron inlaid cartouches framed by scrolling encadrements, all raised on three cabriole legs headed by pierced furled acanthus leaf ormolu mounted knees, terminating in leafy scrolled sabots on conforming pads, centering a lyre form pedal post inlaid with bois satine interlocking "C" scrolls flanked by ormolu acanthus leaf tendrils centering an acanthus leaf flourish ormolu mount, above a stepped pedal box mounted with a cabochon and bell flower repeating motif ormolu edge, centering two foot pedals with acanthus leaf flourishes terminating in bellflower tendrils interspersed by a lobed architectural segment, the ormolu mounts stamped "LC 2184," as well as with various markings, and a signature on the interior. Height: 40" Width: 61" Depth: 87"

There is a lightening of the finish all over, and some expected mild surface wear in the form of occasional surface scratches, dents, abrasions, some losses to the veneer, mild veneer lift near side curve, and intermittent apparent repairs. Some screws and nails have been replaced on the ormolu mounts, and an apparent later gilt appears with some consistency throughout. Tuning has been maintained, but the lower two octaves are a bit muddy in sound; it is likely the keys have been replaced. Overall in very good condition, wear commensurate with age and use.

Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."