French Napoleon III Style Ormolu Mounted Boulle Upright Piano, labelled, Detir and Cie, Paris. [sic], late 19th c., the rectangular boulle inlaid top with mounted edge, the face with three panels, pair of two arm sconces, conforming key cover, two mounted scrolled legs, plinth base, H.- 47 1/2 in., W.- 52 1/2 in., D.- 25 in. Provenance: The Estate of Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr., New Orleans, LA.

Mechanically, the majority of the keys are functional and strike properly, however, several keys are inoperative. The action elastics are worn, preventing some hammers from returning properly. The three highest keys present issues: the hammers for the two highest keys bind and do not return once depressed, and the third highest key produces only a very faint sound. The hammer felt is in very good condition overall, with a few replacement hammers observed. The piano is not in tune. The keys exhibit toning and discoloration consistent with age and use. This is an 85 key piano, indicative of an earlier instrument. Cosmetically, the case shows wear consistent with age and use, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor losses to the ebonized and painted finish, particularly along edges and projecting elements. The gilt-bronze mounts exhibit wear, rubbing, dulling, oxidation, and areas of verdigris. The red inlaid and decorated panels show flaking and losses, especially to the upper central section and the side areas near the candlestick mounts. Additional decorative elements are noted to be loose or insecurely affixed. The painted and gilt decoration overall shows scattered abrasion, wear, and uneven toning. Interior components visible through the lower opening appear intact but display age-related wear. The piano requires servicing to function fully; prospective buyers seeking playability are advised to have a qualified piano technician examine the instrument. Despite the noted issues, the piano appears to have been maintained to some extent over its lifetime. ________________________________________________________________________________ ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD "AS IS." NO STATEMENT REGARDING CONDITION OF ANY ITEM, WHETHER IT IS MADE ORALLY AT THE AUCTION OR ANY OTHER TIME, OR IN WRITING IN THE CATALOGUE OR ELSEWHERE, SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY. Condition is not stated in the description of the item. The absence of a condition report does not mean that the item is free of damage or condition issues. Some items do show signs of age or wear. CCAG strongly suggests that you do not bid without requesting a condition report. Requests for condition reports will not be honored after 5 p.m. CST on the Tuesday prior to the auction.