Labeled, "J. H. Lété, Luthier à Nantea 1831."
Inscribed below the button, "Société des..."
LOB: 76.4 cm
Inspired by Stradivari, the cello is constructed from exceptionally well-chosen materials, including a two-piece back of beautifully flamed maple. It reflects Lété’s high level of craftsmanship and his particular sensitivity to finishing details, qualities that distinguish his best work.
The instrument is preserved in excellent condition, retaining a fine coat of deep red-brown varnish over a lighter ground. Both visually and tonally, it stands at the threshold of a defining moment in French lutherie—the emergence of a confident national school, begun with Pique and Lupot, and brought to full maturity by Vuillaume and the exceptional craftsmen who followed.
Proforma Certificate: Jason Price, New York, NY (Apr 22 2026)- Dendrochronology report: Sondre Lie, Oslo (Apr 8 2026) Dates the latest ring of the bass and treble side as 1747 and 1760, respectively.
- Certificate: Bernard Millant, Paris (Jun 26 1979)
Ending on May 7 at
2:27 PM Berlin / 1:27 PM London / 8:27 AM New York
Estimate:
€40,000–60,000
Bidding opens Apr 28, 2026 11:00 AM CEST
VAT symbols on Description:
Ω - TI - non-antique - additional 19% import VAT charged on the hammer
‡ - TI - antique - additional 19% import VAT charged on the hammer
† - Normal VAT rules - 19% VAT charged on hammer and premium
No Symbol - Margin Scheme - 19% VAT-in-lieu charged on the premium (except when exported within 3 months)
VAT refunds are available for export sales
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