Which brings us to the interesting question of determining when something
is a forgery.   How much time and expense is one obligated to incur?    Who
pays for it?  Are builders and experts morally obligated to invest personal
time and energy in the investigation?

I have in my shop at this moment a newly arrived late 18th century square
piano with a nameplate professing that it was made by C. Ganer.   Yet,   in
my initial studies,  I find the nameplate to be unlike those on known
instruments of his.  Notably, one finds the word "FortePianno"  (sic).
In addition,  the instrument's typical traditional mahogany with satinwood
and ebony inlays is decorated with atypical paintings, which however are
most appropriate for the time period including 1780-95.

I would much appreciate comments and suggestions.    I have just begun this
project.      The owner is a wealthy antique and art collector, but he has
a tolerance limit for how much time and money are involved in it.  This is
the real world with budget and time constraints.

ab




Anne Beetem
Harpsichords & Historic Pianos
1775 Nocatee Dr.
Coconut Grove,  FL  33133
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human and voice mail 305-860-9190,
fax (305)-857-9901