An Italian Harpsichord, probably Bologna, circa 1680
with twenty-nine ivory veneered arcaded keys (E to E) and twenty ebony veneered accidentals with arrowhead inset decoration, mounted within a beaded fruitwood carcass, the distressed table of pine showing bridge adjustment,with two courses of tuning pins (ninety-eight) and two jack registers (ninety-seven) with jack rail present. The whole keyboard unit within a separate gilt and green outer case. The blank nameboard inscribed on the reverse "Il Principessa Lucarelli delle Scuole Pie face acquisto questo Cembalo l'anno 1823", also numbered PG75.20.73.29.
The light outer gilt and green casing of hardwood with decorated marginal beading, the entire inside swell door painted with a pleasing rural landscape scene in the manner of a late seventeenth century Italian hand. The whole resting on two turned pilaster hardwood stands. Outer case 205cm, inclusive keyboard 79.3cm, depth 53cm, restorations. (1)