A GEORGE III MAHOGANY, SATINWOOD AND KINGWOOD DOUBLE MANUAL HARPSICHORD BY JACOB (1710-1792) AND ABRAHAM (1737-1794) KIRCKMAN, LONDON, 1789 |

with music desk on trestle stand, the nameboard signed Jacobus et Abraham Kirckman Londini Fecerunt 1789

Norman Wilkinson; Alec Hodson; Edward Malins
Sotheby's Billingshurst, December 4, 1991, lot 48 (£55,875)

Boalch 3 (1995) no. KIRKMAN, J. and A. 1789(2)

Case and stand: in good condition with assorted marks, nicks, age cracks, patches and small losses to veneer consistent with age and use. A piece of veneer border approx. 1.5 in. long lacking below the lower left keyboard. The keyboard cover with age splits and very small area missing to inlaid border. Hinges to lid replaced. Music stand, prop stick and one key present. Action: please note Sotheby's does not guarantee the playing order of antique musical instruments. The harpsichord was last restored by Peter Redstone in Virginia in the early 1990s following its acquisition by Mr Scott. While it is presently in a playable condition, it has not been tuned for some time. Five jacks have become raised and are not slotting correctly into position, and need to be removed if the jack rail is to be inserted; all other jacks present. The harpsichord would benefit from a revision by an antique keyboard instrument specialist. Note Regarding Endangered Species Property containing endangered species will require a CITES license upon export from the U.S. and may require an additional license upon import into another country. There is no guarantee that such licenses will be granted. In the case of denial of any license or of delay in obtaining such licenses, the purchaser remains responsible for on-time payment for the total purchase price.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Soundboard with inset rose pierced and carved with King David playing the harp flanked by the maker's initials I.K., the five octave keyboard, FF to f3, five brass hand stops controlling an 8 ft. and 8 ft. lute stops on the upper manual and two 8 ft., 8 ft. buff and one 4 ft. stops on the lower manual, two pedals, the first controlling the machine stop, the second now controlling the buff stop and formerly with the nag's head swell (now disconnected), with music desk.