Exceptional Parisian Bisonore Accordion Attributed To Georges Kanéguissert, Circa 1855.

Exceptional Parisian bisonore accordion attributed to the maker Georges Kanéguissert, circa 1855.

This antique instrument, with its rare quality of execution, bears witness to the first decades of accordion development in Europe, in the wake of the patent filed in 1829 in Vienna by Cyrill Demian. It belongs to this generation of still-experimental instruments, where acoustic research and decorative refinement are combined.

The rectangular keyboard features 24 mother-of-pearl keys, some finely chiselled with stylized plant motifs. The exposed valves, also in mother-of-pearl, are adorned with a sophisticated daisy and garland decoration, illustrating exceptional decorative care right down to the technical elements.

The case, a true masterpiece in its own right, is a true masterpiece in its own right.

The case, a true piece of art cabinetry, is dressed in tortoiseshell veneer, enriched with silver, ivory and brass inlays. A central figural ivory medallion, framed with arabesques and foliage, bears witness to the taste for luxurious, orientalist compositions of the mid-19ᵉ century.

The bellows, with polychrome plant decoration enhanced with gold, and the brass mechanical elements, confirm the high quality of manufacture. The interior reveals an elaborate structure: cloisonné windchests, brass plates, riveted assembly, testifying to accomplished technical know-how.

All in all, an instrument of the highest quality.

Both musical instrument and objet d'apparat, this accordion perfectly illustrates the evolution of a fledgling instrument into a luxury production destined for a demanding clientele.

A first-rate piece, rare on the market, at the crossroads of musical history and decorative arts.

An emblematic instrument from the early days of the accordion, it is part of the evolution of free-reed instruments, whose history dates back to ancient Asian models, before the European developments of the XIXᵉ century.

An exceptional piece, both musical instrument and objet d'art, a rare testimony to the refinement of early Parisian production.