English guitar

Description

Originally with lateral pegs. Six courses, wire-strung; the lowest two single, the upper four double; tuned c, e, g, c1, e1, g1. Pear-shaped outline, slightly arched both crossways and lengthways. Front, two-piece, of fine to wide grain. Cast ormolu rose, slightly domed, set in thin raised dark wooden ring; decorative collar of tortoiseshell with small inlaid discs, flowers and acanthus-like elements of engraved mother-of-pearl. Rose shows King David playing the harp, seated on elaborate stool with S-curved legs, between four columns, surrounded by garlands and instruments including oboes, recorders, horns, violins and guitars. Mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell fleur de lys ornament inlaid above saddle at tail; no edging or purfling.