Incredible Collection of Musical Instruments Bound to Hit the Right Notes
On Tuesday 11th May Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers are delighted to be selling the musical instrument collection of Ephraim Segerman.
His passion for Renaissance music and the instruments from this period led him to write the seminal work on the subject “The Development of Western European Stringed instruments”, and his knowledge of this area was as strong as anyone’s. Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers have been asked to sell his collection of instruments as specialist auctioneers in this field and Adam Partridge is best placed to catalogue the haul. Adam's parents are professional musicians both playing the violin, a skill that Adam continues along with being a keen exponent of the piano and organ. “To be given the opportunity to catalogue and sell such a diverse and interesting collection has given me a lot of pleasure, and the occasional headache! Whilst the majority of items are familiar to me, some of the more unusual pieces required lateral thinking and assistance from family and friends”.
Mr Segerman had an encyclopaedic knowledge of early instruments and in the early 1970s founded the Fellowship of Makers and Restorers of Historical Instruments (FoMRHI), which was slightly changed to Researchers rather than Restorers soon afterwards. He was, of course, a virtuoso on most of the instruments he owned and played everything from the lute to the viol in numerous groups and concerts. This began in his early days in the Bronx, alongside his studies for a degree from Queens College New York, and he played lute for the Stokowski at the New York City opera in Monteverdi’s “Orfeo”.
The collection really does cover a vast array of instruments and Adam has chosen 3 of his favourite pieces to represent the lots on offer.
A rare 1909 Gibson style U harp guitar was destined for restoration but never made it to the worktable, so presented in untouched condition and in need of plenty of TLC, the estimate is £300-£500.
David Rubio learned to play in Seville and after changing his name in his 20s went on to create some fabulous pieces. The 1969 Orpharion is an example of David’s fine craftmanship and carries a guide of £500-£800.
German instrument maker, Peter Harlan, also made some fine examples of string instruments and on offer in the auction is a nineteen-course lute he created in 1937. Hopes here are pitched at £300-£500.
The collection will be sold at 10am on Tuesday 11th May with Adam on the rostrum wielding the gavel. With this being a rare opportunity for collectors and specialists to acquire items they may not see again for many years, the bidding is sure to be keen, and the next generation of enthusiasts can carry on the tradition that was so important to Mr Segerman.
For further details please email macclesfield@adampartridge.co.uk or call on 01625 431788.
