: Skinner's recent auction of fine musical instruments was its
largest to date, and offered one of the finest selections ever at
the gallery.
World record prices were achieved for American guitars by John
D'Angelico and James D'Aquisto, a Spanish guitar by Ignacio
Fleta, several modern Italian violins and a rare American keyed
bugle by E.G. Wright of Boston.
The 12-keyed presentation bugle was the object of intense
speculation by museums, historical societies and aficionados of
Civil War era musical instruments. One of approximately 13
surviving presentation instruments designed for virtuosi by E.G.
Wright, this keyed bugle was presented as a gift in appreciation
to Daniel H. Chandler, founder and director of Chandler's Band of
Portland, Maine, which had been organized in 1833 and is now
believed to be the second oldest professional performing band in
continuous service in the United States.
Under Chandler's leadership this band developed into one of the
finest performing groups of its kind. In 1861, it entered into
the service of the Union Army until the end of the Civil War,
performing at Harper's Ferry, and furnishing music for the 1st,
10th, 25th and 29th Maine regiments.
E.G. Wright bugle, $28,200.
Estimated at $2,500 to $3,500, the instrument finally brought
$28,200 after intense telephone bidding.
World record prices also were realized for several important
modern Italian stringed instrument makers: a splendid violoncello
by Gaetano Gadda of Mantua fetched $45,825, more than doubling
the previous world record. With beautiful figured wood carved
into a strong, full arch on its top and back, it was underbid by
several dealers on its rarity and pedigree alone. The instrument
was bought for its sound quality and acoustic projection by a
recent graduate of New England Conservatory.
A first rate violin by Stefano Scarampella, also of Mantua,
brought a world record price of $76,375. Scarampella made
instruments in a freely carved rustic style that appeared old
when they were just finished, and that were held in such high
esteem that he was the first modern Italian maker to be copied
during his lifetime. This violin, made circa 1910, is in superb
condition, with nary a crack in its top or back.
"Scarampella instruments have been among the most sought-after
and highest appreciating instruments in the last 20 years, and
also among the most often faked. He had a certain genius quality
to his work, a very free, unhampered and rugged style. A
well-conserved example like this one comes along very seldom,"
noted department director David Bonsey.
Stefano Scarampella violin, 1910, $76,375.
American record prices also were achieved for a violin by
Marino Cappichioni, an example in mint condition from 1963 that
sold for $36,425; a violin by Evasio Emillio Guerra of Turin, 1932,
that reached $27,025; and a violin by Ansaldo Poggi of Bologna,
1965, that brought $42,300.
A US auction record of $99,500 was paid for a decorated violin in
near-mint condition by French maker Jean Baptiste Vuillaume,
dated 1867 and inlaid with fleur-de-lis, tendril patterns and
semiprecious jewels.
Fretted instruments were highlighted by fine examples of American
archtop guitars, ukuleles and folk guitars. A Martin soprano
ukulele whose body of highly flamed Hawaiian Koa wood graced the
catalog cover, brought $5,581, while its cover counterpart, a
1957 Excel jazz guitar by John D'Angelico, brought an auction
record $32,900.
A 1963 classical guitar of Ignacio Fleta of Barcelona, the
favorite of maker master guitarist John Williams and others,
brought $30,550; and a Model New Yorker by James D'Aquisto
garnered $22,325.
Prices reported include buyer's premium.
