Images(8)

Guitar

Date1765-1775

Artist/Maker J. N. Preston

OriginEngland, London

MediumSpruce, maple, ebony, tortoiseshell and ivory, brass, ivory and resin

DimensionsOL: 26 3/4"; OW: 11 1/2"; OD: 3 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1984-254

DescriptionDeep pear-shaped body with two-piece back of book-matched, highly-figured wood; sides also of highly-figured wood. Ivory button straddles junction of sides at base, near two rows of ivory tail pins (five per row) and ivory saddle. Inked purfling near edges of table and back. Table of two close-grained pieces of spruce, with added graining in swirls. Cast brass rose with chinoiserie design set in hole with ivory liner and concentric inked bands. Ebony fingerboard with tortoiseshell inlay and decorative ivory brackets inset at top and bottom; twelve brass frets with spaces in between gradually increasing toward top; four capo tasto holes through center of fingerboard and neck between top and fourth fret; ivory nut; "watchkey" tuning mechanism for ten strings mounted at top of neck. Ornamental hook (separate piece of wood) terminates in square finial with mounted resin ornament of floral design (partially replaced). Table, sides, back, back of neck and head varnished red/orange.
Inscribedsee marks
Markings"CE G C E G/ PRESTON*INVENTOR" BRANDED ON BACK OF HEAD: cypher "PR" crowned/"PRESTON MAKER/LONDON"
ProvenanceWurlitzer-Bruck, New York

Exhibition(s)