First ever sale of musical instruments and related books, autographs and manuscripts at Bloomsbury Auctions May 7

Apr. 23, 2008

ROME—Bloomsbury Auctions is pleased to announce its first ever sale of Musical Instruments and related works on paper to take place in Rome May 7. The Claude Lebet collection of musical instruments, paintings, books, manuscripts and autographs related to music will be available on www.LiveAuctioneers.com, where those interested may both preview the fully illustrated auction catalog and place bids.

Claude Lebet is a leading and world renowned violin-maker and collector in the field of musical instruments and related material. The sale comprises rare instruments by Grancino, Guadagnini, Maggini, and Panormo from the 17th and 18th centuries. Claude Lebet said, “The instruments have an extraordinary sound range that collectors will be able to appreciate as they represent a true selection of the quality of Italian and French violin makers.”

“The Claude Lebet collection is a great first for Bloomsbury Auctions and the first of this type in Italy,” said Fabio Bertolo, Auction Manager, Italy, adding “The rare instruments are accompanied by a vast collection of works on paper amongst which a splendid autograph letter by Nicolo Paganini and the first manuscript of the libretto to the first act of Manon Lescaut by Puccini. This sale will attract collectors from all over the world.”

To view the fully illustrated auction catalog and place bids, please visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.