An Austrian maple table piano circa 1830

the lidded box painted to the interior with a church within a landscape and including a removable fitted stationary tray, the interior veneered with fiddle-back mahogany, the sewing accessory compartment lids of satinwood, the three octave retractable keyboard, f to f^{3, with ebony naturals and bone overlaid accidentals, Viennese action with brass kapsels, double strung throughout,  no dampers fitted, iron strut between the wrest plank and the belly rail, raised on a folding stand}

There is an old crack in the veneer across the full width of the lid otherwise the exterior is in good condition. The soundboard is completely free of cracks. The quarter mouldings along the treble side of the side boards and across the back of the hitch pin block have been secured with small flush metal pins, six in total. The keyboard is currently stuck in the retracted position. Hopefully this can be freed by a competent restorer. However while it is in its present position it is not possible to get visual access to the action. Possibly fortuitously two hammers have become detached and one is in clear view lying across the key shafts. This appears totally original including the hammer head covering. In the light of the state of the rest of the instrument there is a reasonable possibility that the rest of the action is also original but this cannot of course be guaranteed. The lid hinges are steel and almost certainly later replacements. However the fall board hinges are brass and appear original. The original knobs on the keyboard cheeks are absent and have been replaced with dome-headed screws. The workbox tray has none of its original accessories. Nine of the compartments have lids, only six of which retain their original ebony knobs. Three of these are damaged. The monochrome lid painting is somewhat faded and would benefit from the attention of a specialist restorer.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

All her life the Duchesse de Berry was passionate about music. She loved playing the piano and had lessons not only as a little princess in Sicily but also as a young widow in Paris. Even during her imprisonment in Blaye she arranged to have a piano.