Halls Fine Art Auctioneers
Lot 564
Attributed to the Panormo School (Edward Ferdinand Panormo) an English violoncello (cello), circa 1830, with bow and a later case, 29.5" body.Footnote: This piece is consigned with correspondence dating from 1932 - 1996. August 19th, 1932, a hand written letter addressed to a previous owner, by Louis H Maby, Violin Maker & Dealer, 14 Lower Arcade, Bristol 1, "I have examined the cello you left with me and in my opinion it is a Panormo, youth Panormo (son of Vincent Panormo), London, about 1830".A further typed letter dated 2nd April 1971 by Mr. Robert Raeburn, violin maker, restorer and expert, of The Rectory, Toft, Cambridge, reads "I certify that the Violoncello in the possession of [current vendor] is in my judgement the work of the Panormo family. The instrument is not labelled but can probably be attributed to Edward Ferdinand Panormo of London and Brighton, grandson of Vincenzo Trusiano Panormo. I date it at circa 1830 - 40. It is possible that it is a composite instrement: the back and sides being considerably older than the top and probably the work of Vincenzo Panormo.Descriptiopn: The back in two pieces of 'fiercely' grained maple cut on the slab. The table of medium grained pine. Head and sides of medium 'flamed' maple. The varnish: table of reddish colour. Back and sides of golden-brown.The Violoncello is in a good stage of preservation. I value it at £400".A later hand written letter by J.R Geach, Luthier, 15 Market Square, Bishoip's Castle, Salop, dated July 28th 1987, addressed to the current vendor " Having today examined the viloncello belonging to [current vendor] and having certification dated 1932 and 1971, I am able to say that the instrument, unlabelled, is of the Panormo family or school, and that it dates from the first third of the 19th century. The instrument s in good playing condition but not in a contemporary state of show-room repair. The current price of which such an article changes hands is £4,500"Together with a Halls property receipt dated 1996 and a Sotheby's property report dated 2nd August 1996, detailing an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000.Some fine cracks to the sides especially to the lower bout. The purfling has some dings and dints both front and back, especilly on the points of the C-bouts. The top has a visible repair to the lower left. The back has some fractures towards the lower edge, at the mid point adjacent to the piece joint (internally braced) and at the top adjacent to and at the neck joint. The scroll appears fair to good with only minor cosmetic marks and signs of age and use. Tuning pegs good and functional. The neck and finger board appear good with minor signs of age and use. The end pin is good, straight and functioning correctly. Tailpiece and tuners are good. Bridge good and free from fractures. Overall fair with multiple cosmetic marks throughout but in playable condition. The bow is good with a few very minor cosmetic marks.
