BOSTON – Classic stringed instruments will have the stage April 25 when Skinner Inc. conducts a Fine Musical Instruments auction. Offered will be nearly 350 lots representing the best in classical and modern instruments including vintage guitars by Gibson and Martin, exceptional solid body guitars, fine Italian violins and fine French bows. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.
Outstanding violins grace the auction including one by Giovanni Grancino of Milan, circa 1690, with a certificate of authenticity by the eminent French expert Etienne Vatelot. The instrument is estimated at $90,000-$110,000.
The catalog cover lot is an Italian violin by Giovanni Baptista Ceruti of Cremona, 1803, with a W.E. Hill certificate from 1905. The violin is in near pristine condition showing almost no wear to its original varnish and its edgework. Ceruti had an original style with bold outlines and long luxurious corners that are perfectly preserved in this example. In an old Rhode Island family for more than 100 years, the violin is estimated $80,000-$120,000.
From the same family is a rare Italian violin from Pietro Guarneri of Venice, 1734. Meticulously restored by the Hill Shop in 1900, the state-of-the-art restoration work still remains unsurpassed in quality. While the scroll is Italian, probably Venetian, it’s likely by another maker of the same period. The piece is an extraordinary example, rarely ever seen at auction, and is estimated $30,000 to $50,000.
The auction also features an unusually good offering of modern Italian violins from 20th-century makers.
French bows include excellent examples by Sartory, the most popular maker of the 20th century. One example from 1930 retains its original screw and eyelet. A collectors piece, it is estimated $6,000-$8,000. Another example from Sartory’s finest period, circa 1910, is in beautiful condition, and estimated $11,000-$14,000. Other makers include Pajeot, Ouchard, Tubbs, Gaulard, Voirin and Nurnberger.
Among the fretted offerings is a good selection of Martin and Gibson vintage acoustic guitars, including a 1927 Martin 000-18, a large body acoustic flattop guitar, which is a fine choice for fingerpicking, estimated $4,000-$6,000. Also featured is a 1946 000-28 Martin, another large body fingerpicking guitar, with Martin’s famous “herringbone” edge binding, estimated $6,000-$8,000.
Solid body electric guitar enthusiasts will appreciate a Fender Telecaster from 1968 with sunburst finish estimated to bring $3,000-$4,000. Other Fender highlights include a Precision bass guitar in “as new” condition, estimated at $5,000-$6,000 and a Stratocaster from 1958, certified 100 percent original parts, estimated at $12,000-$16,000. Fans of the mod era will love a Rickenbacker model 365 from 1961. A model popular among bands like The Beatles and The Who, this instrument is estimated at $2,200-$2,800. For the jazz player, a Gibson ES-175 from 1959 in “as new” condition with original case, strap, cord and hang tags is expected to hit $6,000-$9,000.
Also on the block, an unusually good offering of Gibson mandolins and a rare mandolin Artist model by the Bacon Manufacturing Co., circa 1921, estimated $100 to $200. Also from the reputable Groton, Conn., manufacturer are three outstanding tenor banjos, all Silver Bell models, with estimates ranging from $1,500 at the low-end to $5,000 at the high. One other outstanding banjo is an Epiphone model Deluxe Recording tenor banjo in excellent condition and estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
Previews for the auction, which will be conduted at Skinner’s Boston gallery, will be April 23, noon-7 p.m.; April 24, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; and April 25, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. J-Way Jazz String Quartet will play at a reception April 25. RSVP to 617-350-5400.
Illustrated catalog no. 2501 is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3000 x3240. It is also available at the gallery for $32.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
