£120 - £180
A mid 19th Century mahogany Secrétaire bookcase converted from a piano or, more likely, a pianola. The lower half of upright piano shape, the former keyboard being supported on two turned and reeded baluster legs on casters, behind which are two panelled doors, with turned wooden knobs, opening to reveal a shallow shelved cupboard. The quarter-circle keyboard cover opens to reveal a slide out desk, and pull out candle rests. Above the slide is a paper label reading New Patent, Joseph Davis Maker to His Majesty & The Royal Family, No 92 Blackfriars Road, late Catherine Street, Strand, London. Above there is glazed bookcase with two open glazed doors surrounded by bobbin beading, opening to reveal adjustable shelves, topped by a removable pediment. Joseph Davis was a little known piano and self-playing instrument maker, the last record of which we have been able to find is in 1848. H 186cm, W 114cm, D 64cm.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
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15.6% inc VAT*
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12.00% inc VAT*
