Live Auction 1186The Collection of Professor Sir Albert Richardson, P.R.A.
A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]
Lot 125

A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]

BY JOHN PRESTON, CIRCA 1760-70

Closed19 September 2013

Price Realised

GBP 2,125

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A GEORGE III TORTOISESHELL, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY-MOUNTED ENGLISH GUITTAR [SIC]
BY JOHN PRESTON, CIRCA 1760-70
With tortoiseshell finger-board, the chequer-strung body with pierced gilt-metal roundel decorated with a central sun surrounded by musical instruments, stamped 'GR' below a crown and 'PRESTON MAKER LONDON'; together with a late George III holly, ebony and mother-of pearl-inlaid mahogany zither, first quarter 19th century
27½ x 11½ in. (70 x 29 cm.) (2)

The guittar: probably R. Simmonds & Son, Euston Road, London, where acquired on 26 October 1937 (10s.).
The zither: Harris & Sinclair, Grafton Street, Dublin, where acquired on 3 July 1936, as 'Zither. London make circa 1820' (£4).

Specialist note

John N. Preston was recorded as a luthier maker active in England from 1734 to 1770 and known for making good quality English guitars and citterns. Preston also claimed to be the inventor of the type of 'watchkey' stringed instrument tuners now known as 'Preston tuners', engraving 'PRESTON INVENTOR' on the back of his devices. Preston established a music shop in Long Acre in London in 1774.