Lot 57 , An 18th century cello, labelled Jacobus Stainer in absam prope oe nipontum 1660, in a W. E. Hill & Sons ebonised wood case, Numerous

An 18th century cello, labelled 'Jacobus Stainer in absam prope oe nipontum 1660', in a W. E. Hill & Sons ebonised wood case, the two piece back with central diamond pattern purfling with irregular flame and fine fleck, and similar sides and scroll with replacement neck, the varnish of orange chestnut brown colour, the bridge stamped W. E. Hill & Sons, Length of back 71cm, upper bouts 32cm, middle bouts 22.5cm, lower bouts 41cm wide, Numerous old repairs
Estimate £2,000-3,000

Provenance - Margherita Tedeschi (d. 1986), a music teacher; thence by family descent. Her brother Guido was a luthier. Possibly Miss R. Backhouse (Blackhouse?) inscribed 'Miss R. Backhouse 1768' on a W. E. Hill & Sons label applied to a brown paper sleeve, presumably for a bow, found inside the case.

The top board has splits running from the base slightly to the right of the sound post and up through the upper left section of the right hand f-hole, through the centre of the same f-hole and a few other smaller splits with evidence of old worm damage in numerous places with some small areas of filler, especially around the egde of the top board with some losses to the purfling and to the overhanging edge of the upper right bout. The sides have numerous old patch repairs, splits and some filler to old worm damage especially around the C-bouts and at the base. The neck is a replacement and the head scroll has an old inset reinforcement to one side where the peg box has been split. The upper right bout of the back board has seen great use as the purfling has worn away. The join of the two piece back has some old filler/glue to the centre where the diamond pattern purfling is located. There are two splits on the left side of the base of the back board. The instrument has not been played in some time and requires re-stringing.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £5,000