Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools, 17th May, 2023

A rare musical ‘Captain’s Desk’ Davenport is one of the highlights of the sale, which offers over 180 lots of musical instruments, mechanical music, scientific instruments and cameras. At first glance this piece, which was made circa 1875-80, appears to be purely a well veneered compact desk with a sloped piano-lid over an extendable writing desk. However, concealed within the burr-walnut finished body is a finely made musical box. A second finely cased disc musical box, this time in an upright longcase form with a clock, is also on offer. The superb piece was made by Symphonion, one of the finest and most admired makers of musical boxes.

Elsewhere in the sale, a strong selection of musical instruments is led by a good violin made in 1901 by Jeffery J Gilbert of Peterborough and a well-made classical guitar by Antonio Raya Pardo. Also of interest to collectors is a fine binocular microscope made by J. Swift of London, and a good example of the always desirable pharmacy leech jar. The present example was made by Samuel Alcock & Co, Cobridge, Staffordshire, and the earthenware is decorated with green and white ground with gilding.

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Tuesday 16 May 10am-5pm and morning of sale from 8am

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