Muzio Clementi, 1752-1832

brass mounted and ebony strung mahogany, satinwood, ivory and ebony, numbered 9496, with three apron drawers

Sotheby's, London, 7 November 1986, lot 409

This is in excellent restored condition. There are old marks and scratches to the top, these include black ring marks. Some of the ebony inlay has been replaced. The piano keys are yellow and discoloured. The soundboard and bridge have been rebuilt. The hammers have been re-hinged, the under hammers refaced and the dampers re-covered. In fact all the action cloth has been replaced this time. It has also been fully restrung.
"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."

Clementi was not only a maker of superior case instruments but a talented pianist and composer in his own right. He was a born in Rome and as a contemporary of Mozart his fame was to spread across Europe, so much so that he was come under the patronage of Peter Beckford (1740-1811), nephew of William. It was his patronage that was to bring Clementi to London. He quickly became a part of the musical establishment becoming a shareholder in the instrument maker of Longman and Broderip, eventually in 1798 Longman, Clementi and Co. and from 1801 under his own name and control.