French Musical Instruments

This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrust...

An antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems, French circa 1900 Spend a penny in style When wound and a 1d. coin inse...

Large double harp with gold-patinated head and neck and carved paw feet on the base. The harp is marked on the neck "Pleyel, Lyion & Cie (Paris). Harp, sysle. Gve Lyon. Brevete. No. ...

This beautiful grand piano was built by Erard in Paris in 1895. With irreplaceable original cabinet art created and signed by an artist named Finel - specifically commissioned by th...

An 1893, Pleyel upright piano with a satinwood cabinet. Entire cabinet features intricate, Neocalssical style inlay. The front panels feature a symmetri...

Discover the enchanting notes of the past with this Early 20th Century French Wooden Xylophone, a musical treasure wrapped in the charm of yesteryears. Encased in a distinguished bla...

Swis music box with original tune sheet, cylinder, comb and the brass bed plate, within a rosewood case, the lid inlaid with boxwood lines and a central motif. Dimensions Height 8 ...

This Erard parallel-strung grand piano, crafted in Paris in 1845, has been extraordinarily well-tended, restored and maintained, enduring today as not only a spectacular example of the pinnacle of 19th Century piano design - characterized by its innovative construction and exceptional sonoral qualities - but also as a premium instrument by the most advanced modern standards, concert-ready for world-class, discriminating performers and their audiences. Erard was a renowned piano manufacturer established by Sébastien Erard, and for much of the 19th Century, the company produced some of the most exquisite and innovative European pianos of the era. The sound produced by this parallel-strung grand piano is characterized by a clarity and transparency that distinguishes it from its contemporaries. The parallel arrangement of strings contributes to a more direct transfer of sound energy, resulting in a balanced and articulate tone across the instrument's registers. This piano's tone is beloved for its sweetness in the treble range and a robust quality in the bass, while also allowing for an especially nuanced and expressive interpretation of the musical repertoire of its era. The ebony and ivory keyboard is a testament to the meticulous attention Erard paid to the tactile experience of playing. Each key is precision-weighted, providing a responsive touch that allows the pianist to articulate a wide range of dynamics and expressiveness. An interior faux tableau latches to the outer case lid in an open position for maximum concert volume, and rests in a lowered position to maintain a softer, more muted experience. The year 1845 places this Erard instrument in the heart of the Romantic era, a period marked by a surge in musical creativity and emotional expression. Composer/performers like Chopin and Liszt were drawn to Erard grand...

Jukebox Jupiter 104, Year 1960. Jukebox Jupiter 104, need to be fully restored, year 1960. Dimensions: h: 142cm, w: 87cm, d: 66cm

Rare Automaton Whistler by Henry Phalibois, with papier-mache character head modeled with puckered, slightly-open lips, defined cheek bones, slender neck, threaded blue paperweight e...

A small music box where the top has a motive of Palais de l`Industrie in Paris. The building was built for the world exhibition that took place in Pa...

Large Framed Dinner Gong in Mahogany This impressive bronze gong hangs from a well-crafted turned stand. The original hand-crafted gong offers a substantial sound, when struck wi...

A wonderful coin operated player piano from Paris, circa 1900. Needs tuning but functions. In original condition other than the repaint of top half. Would have originally had glass.

This Pleyel concert grand piano crafted in Paris in 1870 is a timeless masterpiece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century French piano manufacturing. Pleyel ins...

Klavierhaus Pleyel Chinoiserie, Louis XV Red "chinoiserie" Parcel-Gilt Gran Piano. An important French red-painted ad parch-gilt decorated grand piano i...

White plaster and wood speaker, very good sound. Wear due to time and age of speakers.

Antique Gothic Revival harp by Erard French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 178cm, width 54cm, depth 91cm Of typical form by the famed instrum...

This French Early 20th Century Pleyel baby grand piano is truly exceptional. The Pleyel brand is legendary and has been favored by renowned composers such as Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel for its rich and unique sound. This particular piano is in remarkable condition, with beautifully restored walnut wood veneer, delicate yet sturdy legs, and perfectly balanced proportions. The soundboard is in its ideal original condition, offering an authentic Pleyel sound, and the hammers, strings, and tuning pins are all original yet functional. The cast iron plate is adorned with exquisite floral ornamentations, adding to the elegance of the instrument. The keys are made of highly refined ivory, providing a distinctive and sophisticated touch. With the serial number found on the piano and the archives of the Musee de la Musique, the piano's precise origin has been traced back to 1922. Pleyel pianos...

Original 1969 Elipson AS30 speaker in staff with its round, sensual and warm shape, was an Elipson bestseller. It was relatively compact for its time (30 cm in diameter, with a 16 cm...

Crafted by renowned French artisan and author Claude Montal, this piano was presented at the famed Crystal Palace exhibition in London in 1851, where it ...

This horn was created in France circa 1920, made of brass, this kind of music instruments were part of the French accoutrements during the "Chasse a Courre" (or deer hunts with hound...

Bring the French countryside into your home with this beautiful, patinated metal antique bell from the Alps mountains of France. Crafted, circa 1880, the rustic bell is signed MLD Ch...

Originally used in a church, this impressive French hand-forged iron music stand is designed so that a musician can stand on each side. Candleholders extend on the left and right to ...

Decorate a living room with this elegant antique pedal harp. Crafted in France circa 1780, the single action musical instrument features 36 recently repl...

This rare upright piano was made by Pleyel in France in September 1871 according to the Pleyel Archives found at Musée de la Musique. The natural wood cabinet is beautifully decorated with hand painted floral garlands. The piano sides are square and it has fluted, columnar legs resting on original castors. The instrument...

Bring the French countryside into your home with this large patinated bronze bell from the Alps region of France, dated 1900, the antique bell features several motifs in relief inclu...

Important automatic self-playing piano called "Bastringue", from the beginning of the XXth century, working with an interchangeable cylinder stamped by the organ and piano makers "J....

Magnificent and rare automaton pianist doll under a globe made by automaton repairer and manufacturer Jean Farkas in the 1950s. The doll plays a serenade of Haydens by Mozart, its ...

Listen to soft, cheerful music in your living room with this traditional, antique music box. Crafted in Paris, France circa 1900, the tulip wood case...

French Louis XV-style ormolu mounted kingwood, tulipwood & parquetry grand piano (sgnd C.BECHSTEIN, numbered 20475 for the date 1888)

This 1893, Pleyel grand piano sits on ornately carved french walnut frame, carved with foliage and flowers. The piano has six carved, cabriole legs with scroll feet. Each square pi...

An important gilt-bronze mounted parquetry inlaid piano a queue, by François Linke, the Movement by Erard.  Signed 'F.Linke' on the keyboard cover mold...

A fine Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted baby grand Piano by Gaveau à Paris. Serial number 67874. This fine baby grand piano has a quarter-veneered top with a stiff leaf cas...

Pelham Galleries Ltd Dealers in Antiques & Works of Art Established in 1928. First Edition catalog circa 2000 with black pictorial wraps; Unpaginated, profusely illustrated with color photos. Text is in English. The catalog contains fine furniture and decorative items, accompanied by extensive descriptions, including a beautiful harpsichord probably by the Couchet family of Antwerp, a pair of 17th century Neapolitan cabinets with painted glass panels, a pair of George II giltwood console...

20th Century Luché "ELCE" mechanical piano, France. Roller and crank in perfect working condition.  

Neoclassical rosewood & brass clarinet table lamp mounted on a round metal base made in France. Comes with harp and carved gilt wood finial an...

Small French military bugle made of brass and copper with missing mouthpiece. France, circa 1900.

This fine antique harp dates from the second half of the 19th century and was made in France by Pleyel, Wolff, Lyon and Cie. The renowned Parisian firm ma...

Art cased grand piano by Erard Paris Serial number 19924 Case Paris 1877 Designed by Mercier Frères Paris with a design specified by order. Restored to perfection by our German piano master team. For stable tuning, the pinblock has been renewed. Having a piece of furniture done by the famous furniture designer of Mercier Freres is a dream, having a piano designed by them was something not quite expected. Case is patterned pieces of high quality mahogany ending on three lion claw type feet in bronze mercure. Piano fully restored by the Palace Pianos team. Each part was taken care of in order to preserve the authenticity. The Mercier Erard plays even and perfect. Recommende for all type of music. Did you know that David Bowie recorded...

Paul Louis Gastaud (20th) Telephone Radio/ K7 Hi-Fi system embedded in an ABS phone Signed Measures: H 126 × Ø 41 cm Functional Excellent cond...

Wall decoration mirror guitar Infiny made with mirrored led lights with glass and plexiglass creating an infiny mirrored effect. With original and except...

Henri Fugere, bronze figure, ' Bebe Tapin ' signed in the bronze. French Boy playing his drum. Henry Fugere, a well listed artist. Mr. Fugere was born in...

A spectacular French mid-19th century, circa 1855, Louis XVI st. tulipwood parquetry and ormolu mounted, Model 2 Concert Grand Piano, signed Pleyel...

Attributed to Henry Dasson (d. 1896) Origin: French Date: circa 1885-q890 Dimension: (H) 35 1/4 in x (W) 54 in x (W) 78 in. Provenance: Acquired by Dr. J. T Nieto-Gomez from fi...

A very rare Louis XVI period serinette or bird organ in the form of a transitional style gilt bronze mounted and marquetry inlaid miniature commode in the manner of gilbert, by Robert Richard, Paris. With a label for ' RICHARD - maitre facteur d’orgues et mécanicien / Rue de richelieu à la bibliothèque Du Roy / Paris 1775'. This rare Serinette or Bird Organ has a wooden cylinder barrel mounted by twelve pins and linked to twelve sound pipes. A crank attached to the front panel controls the bellows that activates the mechanism. The exceptional marquetry inlaid case is in the form of a gilt bronze mounted transitional style miniature commode. The top of the commode is inlaid with a landscape scene with buildings, opening to an interior with an allegory of Love Conquering All, represented by two doves perching on a bow and quiver. The front of the commode depicts two obelisks centred by a Fine musical trophy and each side is inlaid with panels depicting the Medici Vase. The back of the commode is decorated with floral marquetry. A closely related Serinette dating from circa 1770, also in the form of a miniature commode, with the marquetry case stamped by the master marqueteur Leonard Boudin, is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. The term serinette is derived from serine, French for finch. The instrument worked like a small barrel organ with a barbed cylinder, wind box and lead pipes and produced a high, thin sound in imitation of birds. Other versions included a merline, which copied blackbirds and a turlutaine, which copied curlews. Used to teach caged birds to sing tunes, different barrels could be inserted to train different birds. It first appeared in France circa 1730 and became a popular drawing-room toy for fashionable women. An interesting painting commissioned in 1751 for Louis XV by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and now in the collection of the Louvre, depicts a refined lady seated in her salon playing a bird organ to encourage her bird to sing. Robert Richard Robert Richard was a Parisian organ and harpsichord maker and the mécanicien du roi to Louis XV and Louis XVI and was based in the Bibliothèque du Roi in rue de Richelieu. Initially working alongside the Cliquot family who acted as 'facteur d'orgue du Roi', he is recorded as building an organ for the church of Notre-Dame de Quebec, in Montreal in 1753 (destroyed in 1759) and as the inventor of a mechanical concert shown in an engraving by d'Eisen in 1769. Canon Jean Marie De La Corne described Robert Richard as : ''Le plus habile ouvrier de paris, fameux mechanitien et Homme de probité''. French, Dated 1775. Literature: Pierre Kjellberg, The French Furniture of the 17th century, The Editions of the Amateur, 2008 Count Francois de Salverte, Cabinetmakers of the 18th century, Editions of Art and History, 1934 Raymond Russell, Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Musical Instruments, Volume I - Keyboard Instruments,(London, 1968; p. 69.) Elizabeth Miller...

This incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. A clock is integrated within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, and, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of these fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back and into the middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component, plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting -- a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

A wonderful turn of the century gilt bronze mounted Louis XVI style six-leg Grand Erard piano Beautiful satinwood veneer, bronze mounts, standing on six legs centered by a stretcher. The movement stamped with Erard serial number 93712 and patent stamps, the interior of the case further stamped F. TURBEC/A LEMOINE, and M. BECKER. Erard is the oldest and most prestigious French piano manufacturer. The firm was founded by Sebastian Erard...

A very fine early 20th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted three-leg Grand Erard piano. By François Linke. Beautiful quarter veneered case inlaid with cartouche panels surmounted by a hinged lid, with great quality pierced foliate bronze mounts running down each leg, finishing off with lion paw feet. Signed F. Linke to the bronze clasp on the side leg, The movement stamped with Erard serial number 97037 and patent stamps, the interior of the case further stamped F. TURBEC/A LEMOINE. Erard is the oldest and most prestigious French piano manufacturer. The firm was founded by Sebastian...

A brass bell created in 1900s France. Small, but immediately noticeable, this brass call bell makes a loud impression even when silent. An impressively...