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The Private Period Collection of a Master Musician
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11 September 2025 11:00 Venue: Online & At Duggleby Stephenson, York, YO19 5GF
Duggleby Stephenson is honoured to present the auction of nine remarkable keyboard instruments from the personal collection of Alan Cuckston – acclaimed English musician, recitalist, and one of the country’s leading authorities on historic keyboard music and performance.A distinguished harpsichordist, organist, pianist and broadcaster, Alan Cuckston’s career spanned several decades and continents. He studied under Fanny Waterman and Thurston Dart, recorded extensively for the BBC, and gave concerts throughout Europe and North America. His deep commitment to early music and historically informed performance is reflected in this authentic and carefully curated collection, assembled over many years with expert knowledge, discernment, and artistic sensitivity.Among the instruments offered is a 1742 chamber organ by Johannes Schnetzler (John Snetzler), thought to be the oldest surviving example of its kind in Great Britain, and possibly once owned by Handel. Also included is a Viennese grand fortepiano by Joseph Böhm, dating from around 1820, a rare early instrument of a type known to have been used by Beethoven during his later compositions. The collection also features an 1820 John Broadwood grand piano – the same model as the instrument gifted to Beethoven by Thomas Broadwood in 1818 – as well as an 1828 Broadwood grand, a late 18th-century chamber organ by Thomas Elliot, two finely made 20th-century harpsichords by John Rooks, and a richly detailed William IV upright piano.This genuine and historically significant group of instruments represents not only a musician’s personal legacy but a meaningful contribution to the appreciation and preservation of early keyboard craftsmanship. Several of the instruments can be seen and heard in recordings of Alan Cuckston’s performances, still available online. Given the intricate nature of these historic instruments, specialist dismantling and transport advice and support will be available if required, to assist successful buyers with safe removal and onward handling.VIEW AUCTION FLIPBOOK
Viewing by appointment only: Monday 8 September, 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9 September, 9am - 4:30pm Wednesday 10 September, 9am - 4:30pm Other dates can be made available for viewing via special arrangement. Please contact the team on 01904 393 300 to book an appointment.
Buyer's premium 25.00% plus VAT.
In-house post & packing available - see individual lots for prices.
Items to be paid for Thursday, 18 September and collected by Thursday, 18 September
Join Live Auction
This auction will be live online from 11:00 11.09.2025 on 11 September 2025
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From placing my bid, payment and arranging colection the staff were top notch.
Dale R, November 2025
Super easy transaction parking and collection was a breeze. Will definitely recommend
Russell W, November 2025
You communicate well! your organisation and your staff. I was a first timer at an auction, it went very smoothly, well done! Bill Clark
William C, November 2025
We were met well and dealt with promptly and pleasantly. Thank you
Maurice M, November 2025
My introduction to this auction was bidding via the-saleroom.com, On visiting to collect my lot I was impressed by the quality of the auction rooms and friendly welcome from reception. Thank you
Leslie G, November 2025
What a beautiful showroom! I’m going to have to check your unsold stock! Great reception from your staff, especially the young man who brought the watch to me and answered a couple of queries about other stock on show, I will be back!
Bridget Helen S, November 2025
Perfect service. Thank you very much
Edith H, November 2025
Kind staff and very easy to buy with. Truly recommend.
Zach Q, October 2025
The stool was excellent just what we hoped and your service was also excellent
D R, October 2025
Faultless service thanks
paul s, October 2025
Fast friendly & very helpful service from staff. A real pleasure. Many thanks.
Steve H, October 2025
5* service , as always. Many thanks
John P, October 2025
Absolutely top class service. The lot was just as described, the auction was efficient and I love the Denby! Picked up the following day, no issues, great staff. Such a good find. Thank you.
Vanessa H, October 2025
Friendly, cheerful & efficient service.
Kevin B, October 2025
Great service as always, excellent packaging and extremely fast overseas shipping, special thank you to Lucy, Michael and the superb packing team. I highly recommend this saleroom. Kind regards from Japan.
Charles Edward G, September 2025
The staff are very friendly and so helpful. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
linda i, September 2025
Excellent compassionate and professional service from start to finish. Thank you very much indeed!
Dawn G, September 2025
I have been fortunate to secure many Lots over the years from David Duggleby Auction House. Each Lot continues to give me great pleasure. A heartfelt thank you for always providing a first class professional service. Elizabeth H
Elizabeth H, September 2025
I find the staff at Dugglebys always helpful and very pleasant to deal with.
Barry D, September 2025
Fantastic auction house, Lee you were amazing. Thank you so much for all your help and patience. We couldn't of loaded that van without you, what a star. Thank you. Jo and Andrew.
Joanna B, September 2025
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