GARNET VALLEY, PA.- Briggs Auction, Inc. will offer a fine selection of period and modern furnishings, decorative and fine art, silver, fine jewelry, and more in their June 5, 2015 Fine Estates auction.
The centerpiece of the auction is a magnificent 1894 Steinway & Sons concert grand piano with custom inlay and painted classical decoration by Cottier & Co.
Retailed by N. Stetson Co., Philadelphia, PA, it was originally purchased by Mrs. Thomas A. Scott of Philadelphia, wife of the then President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mrs. Scott commissioned Daniel Cottier (Cottier & Co.) to add the decorative inlay and painted classical decoration featuring cherubs and putti; mythological scenes with maidens; floral bouquets; faux-leather finishes depicting the names of famous composers with music staves, and more. Mother of Pearl inlay adorns the music rest, and the top is decorated on both the exterior and interior.
The piano has a hinged lid and fold-over front, and shaped sides. The keyboard cover enclosing the original ivory keys is marked “Steinway and Sons, New York and Cottier and Co.” The cherry-wood case is supported by round column-form legs with giltwood carved swags. The case also features accents of rosewood, walnut, and other inlaid woods. The movement is marked with serial number 76000, along with various Steinway & Sons patent stamps and marks. The style is "D" Grand, and measures 103 x 60 x 40 in. In 1989 the piano was outfitted with two humidifiers. It is being sold with a matching bench made from one piece of wood.
Since its delivery to the original owners, this one-of-a-kind piece has always resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Legend has it that renowned concert pianist José Iturbi (1895-1980) requested that this piano be moved to the Academy of Music for him when he played in Philadelphia. Over the years, an untold number of musicians have seen and played this piano, and have all been in alt over its tonal quality and sheer presence. One awed individual was heard to say, "you do not own this piano, you merely care for it. This piano belongs to God." Only a lifestyle change has induced the current owner to part from this spectacular piece.
The piano is offered at absolute auction, with no minimum or reserve. Pre-auction estimate is $80,000 - 100,000.
Other important and notable lots in the auction include:
• An excellent Tiffany & Co "Lily" lamp with ten favrile glass shades. The bronze base is decorated with sculpted lily pads, while arching branches hold the marked "L.C.T. Favrile" shades.
Estimate: $8,000 - 10,000
• A lovely oil painting by renowned portrait painter Thomas Sully of the beautiful Mrs. J. Burk, circa 1862. This portrait is listed in The Life and Works of Thomas Sully by Edward Biddle and Mantle Fielding, published in Philadelphia in 1921. The portrait was later exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, April 9 - May 10, 1922. Estimate: $10,000 - 15,000
• Several fine examples of Chinese export porcelains, including two Rockefeller pattern pieces: a pedestal-base centerpiece bowl with scalloped edge, which was sold at Christies in December 2013. (Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000), and a Rockefeller pattern plate with Mandarin decoration (Estimate: $400 - 600)
• A fine 18th Century Pennsylvania walnut chest on frame featuring Quaker locks, a shaped apron and cabriole legs terminating in duck feet.
Estimate: $1,000 - 1,500.
• There are also numerous excellent Swiss music boxes; Edison phonographs; clocks; several antique hobby horses and an antique carousel horse; and much more
The auction's more than 480 lots come from several prominent Main Line, Pennsylvania and other selected Delaware Valley Estates and collections.
