Antique harp from Brimmeyr

Dimensions: H x W x D: 167 x 47 x 80 cm

Description:
Beautiful and extremely elegant pedal harp with 43 strings from the workshop of the famous harp maker Brimmeyr in Paris.

The base of the instrument stands on paw feet and is skilfully stuccoed with palmettes, hippocampi and lyres. At the back are seven fold-out pedals for adjusting the semitones and a large butterfly.
The fine carving and stucco work can also be found at the top of the fluted column. We see palm leaves, vases, garlands of fruit and beautifully crafted rams' heads. At the top is a frieze of rose petals with a butterfly, symbolising joy and light-heartedness.

The front of the sound box is made of softwood framed by ebony mouldings. The back is veneered with satinwood. The wonderful iridescence of the intense wood colours is absolutely stunning. Neither in the photos nor in the video is the unique shimmering play of the wood realistically recognisable.

The signature can be seen on the upper part of the neck:
BRIMMEYR BREVETE Passage Cendrier n°1 Chaussée D'Antin à Paris 91

The harp offered here can be dated with certainty to the period between 1816 and 1830. François-Xavier Brimmeyer, also known as Brimmeyr or Brumaire, applied for a patent for the pedalboard in 1816. Since that year, the signature has been accompanied by the lettering BREVETE. From 1830, Brimmeyr developed another patent together with Jean Pfeiffer. From this point onwards, it was signed PFEIFFER BRIMMEYR. Examples with this signature are in the possession of the Musée de la Musique in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among others.

The head of the instrument can be opened at the back to reveal an inconspicuous engraving, possibly the year of manufacture of this harp, 1826. This is clearly visible in the photos.

Condition:
Very authentic, restored condition. In addition to the wood and stucco work, the mechanics have also been thoroughly cleaned and the instrument restrung. The harp is in playable condition.

Price: This beautiful harp is already sold. Please contact me if you are looking for a comparable object.