Lot 125
125
A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]
Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more
A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]

BY JOHN PRESTON, CIRCA 1760-70

Details
A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]
BY JOHN PRESTON, CIRCA 1760-70
With tortoiseshell finger-board, the chequer-strung body with pierced gilt-metal roundel decorated with a central sun surrounded by musical instruments, stamped 'GR' below a crown and 'PRESTON MAKER LONDON'; together with a late George III holly, ebony and mother-of pearl-inlaid mahogany zither, first quarter 19th century
27½ x 11½ in. (70 x 29 cm.) (2)
Provenance
The guittar: probably R. Simmonds & Son, Euston Road, London, where acquired on 26 October 1937 (10s.).
The zither: Harris & Sinclair, Grafton Street, Dublin, where acquired on 3 July 1936, as 'Zither. London make circa 1820' (£4).
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Alexandra Cruden
Alexandra Cruden

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Lot Essay

John N. Preston was recorded as a luthier maker active in England from 1734 to 1770 and known for making good quality English guitars and citterns. Preston also claimed to be the inventor of the type of 'watchkey' stringed instrument tuners now known as 'Preston tuners', engraving 'PRESTON INVENTOR' on the back of his devices. Preston established a music shop in Long Acre in London in 1774.

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