> Ibo wrote: It appears that the *Colt Clavier Collection*, one of the
largest private collections of historical keyboard instruments, seems to be
auctioned off: Harpsichords and mainly early pianos

I guess I already told this anecdote years ago, when with Ibo we visited
this collection back in 2012. Just in case let me tell it again.

Harpsichords (the main interest of this list) were not too interesting
except for a rare early and unusual English double located in the middle of
the "Tall Room" (do not remember the details, recently restored: a lovely
instrument indeed.

As for the relatively few clavichords, I noted very peculiar unfretted one,
with a poorly painted lid: perhaps a late re-decoration, although other
details had a distinct Franciolini-fake "smell".

We were in another room when suddenly we heard a great noise, we run to it
and were astonished to find that the roof had broken and water was coming,
by the bucket ... precisely inside the strange-looking clavichord!
 
With Ibo we moved it to a safe place, put it vertical on the floor to help
the water out from the instrument, and finally with some paper towels we
removed as much water as possible from the soundboard. Hopefully it is
something that can be restored. Had we not been there, the instrument would
have been a total loss. 

Best

CDV


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