Click Here to view upcoming auction highlights - Nov. 4 ,2001 Boston

Fine Rare Italian Violin, Alessandro Gagliano, Naples c.1709

Sold $200,500

America's only auction house to offer regular auctions dedicated to Fine Musical Instruments since 1987, Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers of Antiques & Fine Arts currently offers three such auctions annually Averaging a 90% sale rate, and setting numerous world records, our expertise and integrity are recognized across the globe and our ability to market instruments of quality is proven. Clients can be assured of superior service at Skinner.

David Bonsey came to Skinner in 1999 as director of the department of Fine Musical Instruments. He brought a varied background of experience to the position, with two decades in the musical instrument market behind him.

As a violin maker and musician, he is well-versed in every aspect of this market and is well-known among professional musicians. He began his professional career in 1980, working as a violin maker and restorer at W.J. Fleischer, Violin Makers in Boston. In 1987, he joined Johnson String Instrument in Newton, Massachusetts, where he specialized in new and antique instruments, founding and managing "The Violin Workshop" which buys, sells and appraises professional quality stringed instruments and bows.

His education includes a bachelor's degree in guitar from the Berklee College of Music, and private study in violin making in Cremona, Italy. He is a member of the Violin Society of America, an associate member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, and a committed participant in the annual Professional Violin Making Workshop at Oberlin College. He is also an active member of the Program Committee for Young Audiences of Massachusetts.

We present two sales each year in November and May. Catalogs may be ordered from the Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers of Antiques & Fine Arts website (http://www.skinnerinc.com/ ) and an online listing of catalog items will be made available one to

 

 

David Bonsey, Director of Fine Musical Instruments since 1999

.

two weeks before the auctions. Please direct all inquiries regarding Musical Instrument appraisals & auctions to David Bonsey, Director of Musical Instruments.

Highlights from previous Skinner Fine Musical Instrument Auctions include a fine violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Parma, circa 1770 (sold for $288, 500); a violin by Carmillus Camilli, 1740 (a record $180,100); a violincello by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris circa 1860 ($100,400); a gold mounted bow by Jean-Marie Persois (a record $49, 450); a silver mounted violin bow by Nicolas Maire, Paris (a record $25,300); a "New York" model arch-top guitar by John D'Angelico, 1939 ($21,850); an arch-top guitar by Elmer Stromberg, Boston c.1953 ($18,400); and a guitar style 0-45 by C.F. Martin and Company, Nazareth, 1927 (a record $16,100).

 

Fine Italian Violin, Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Parma, c.1770

Sold $288,500

For further information, please contact:
David Bonsey
Director, Musical Instruments
email: DBonsey@skinnerinc.com

Lori Nevins
Assistant, Musical Instruments
Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers of Antiques & Fine Arts

The Heritage on the Garden Building
63 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: (617)350-5400
Fax: (617)350-5429

 
357 Main St.
Bolton MA 01740
Telephone: (978)779-6241
fax: (978)779-5144
Visit the main Skinner Website at http://www.skinnerinc.com/