Two upcoming sales events in the U.S. will be closely watched by consumers and dealers. One is Skinner’s November 5th [2000] sale in Boston. The other is Tarisio Auctions online sale which will be open for bidding on November 3rd [2000].
Skinner’s offerings include a well certified and healthy violin catalogued as the work of Nicolo Gagliano, a very fine Gaetano Pollastri from 1935 as well as a number of interesting violas. An attractive cello by Cavani of Spilamberto circa 1935 will be offered, as will a cello, a very good example of the work of the maker, Pirot. A number of interesting violas will be offered by Skinner’s as well. Not all of these are identified, but the viola market shapes itself around tone more then other string instrument markets, making the outcomes less predictable in any case. Skinner’s has a few interesting bows, among them an exceptional Claude Thomassin viola bow, made for and branded, “J and A Beare.” A couple of good Sartorys will also be offered. The presence of a number of interesting, unidentified lots should make this a sale to watch. Skinner’s continues to handle it’s niche solidly and consistently.
Meanwhile Tarisio Auctions is busy promoting its third sale. During the recent Sotheby’s sale in Chicago, the organizers of Tarisio rented rooms in a nearby hotel to show its wares to those assembled for the Sotheby’s event.
Among the highlights is a wonderful Grancino viola, quite pure and of a good size, as well as a Stradivari violin of the Sotto la Disciplina type. This violin, both tonally and in concept, is equal to a fine Stradivari of the 1700-1710 type, and it could represent a relative bargain for someone wanting a violin of its class, but not wanting to pay the 3 to 5 million dollar price tag usually associated with such instruments. Tarisio also has a plain, but good Tecchler cello to offer, along with a Vuillaume, Stradivari copy with a reasonable estimate.
As for bows, Tarisio is offering a glamorous exposition bow by Sartory, mounted in gold and tortoise shell. Bows of this nature frequently set records when they come up at auction so all eyes will want to focus on this one. Also Tarisio is offering a fine cello bow, well certified as the work of Dominique Peccatte, along with a rare and beautiful Tourte copy violin bow by Jules Fetique. It will be interesting to see if Tarisio can continue to build upon its recent successes, and firm up its position in the national and international auction scene.