Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£27,567

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1876 nÂ°633	December 2011	£14,267
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1883 nÂ°1039	December 2011	£7,186
Cello	76.4 cm Paris, 1879	November 2011	£27,567
Cello Bow	S/E 77 g. Paris, 1880 c. (later frog & adjuster)	October 2011	£1,750
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1882	June 2011	£9,600
Violin	35.9 cm Paris, 1886	May 2011	£13,839
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	May 2011	£1,420
Cello Bow	S/E 75 g. [Made for]	April 2011	£4,501
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g.	March 2011	£2,880
Violin Bow	G/T 55.5 g. Paris, 1880 c. without hair	March 2011	£5,000
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	December 2010	£3,120
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1887 nÂ°1297	December 2010	£12,427
Cello Bow	S/E 79.5 g. Paris, 1880 c.	October 2010	£3,750
Violin	35.9 cm Paris, 1850 c.	October 2010	£7,250
Violin Bow	S/E 57.5 g. [Made by "Justin Poirson"]	June 2010	£2,811
Violin	35.6 cm Paris, 1881	March 2010	£15,600
Violin Bow	N/E 63 g. [Workshop of]	March 2010	£720
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1890 nÂ°1476	December 2009	£8,378
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1882 nÂ°1018	June 2009	£10,372
Violin	35.6 cm Paris, 1874 nÂ°566	May 2009	£11,646
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1876 [Workshop of]	October 2008	£8,677
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1881	October 2008	£18,750
Violin	35.8 cm Paris, 1889 #1400	June 2008	£5,570
Violin Bow	S/E 59.5 g. [Made for]	October 2007	£2,427
Violin	35.9 cm Paris, 1886	October 2007	£8,750
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g.	July 2007	£1,020
Violin	35.9 cm Paris, 1886, #1252	June 2007	£8,016
Cello Bow	S/E 76.5 g. Paris, 1880 c.	February 2007	£4,800
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g. Paris, 1880 c.	February 2007	£3,120
Violin	35.9 cm Paris, 1885	October 2006	£11,647
Violin Bow	S/T 58.5 g. 1860 c. [Made for]	October 2006	£3,387
Violin	Paris, 1888 #1378	December 2005	£6,785
Violin	Paris, 1889 Gilt inscription on ribs, 'Presentation Violin'	November 2005	£12,000
Violin	Paris, 1884	November 2005	£7,800
Violin	Paris, 1891 #1521	November 2005	£6,711
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	November 2005	£3,632
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g.	November 2005	£2,040
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	November 2005	£1,184
Violin Bow	S/E 61.5 g. (button possibly later) [made forâ€¦]	October 2005	£2,456
Violin	Paris, 1885	June 2005	£4,588
Violin	Paris, 1884	May 2005	£9,600
Cello	Paris, 1890 c. [Attributed to]	May 2005	£9,000
Violin	Paris, 1887	May 2005	£13,200
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	May 2005	£969
Violin	Paris, 1880	April 2005	£17,545
Viola	41.0 cm Paris, 1872	November 2004	£8,962
Violin	Paris, 1891	November 2004	£10,800
Violin Bow	S/E 64 g. [Possibly by "August Barb"]	October 2004	£2,490
Cello Bow	S/E 78.5 g.	May 2004	£3,217
Violin	Paris, 1879	April 2004	£7,405
Violin Bow	S/E 62.0 g. [made for]	February 2004	£1,680
Violin	1878	July 2003	£9,400
Viola	43.7 cm 1888	July 2003	£3,600
Cello	1879	June 2003	£20,649
Violin	1891	June 2003	£10,415
Violin	1877	June 2003	£9,166
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	May 2003	£2,203
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g.	April 2003	£3,585
Violin	1891	November 2002	£14,100
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	November 2002	£1,673
Violin	1885	October 2002	£10,707
Violin	1886	June 2002	£11,826
Bass	1888	December 2001	£18,913
Cello Bow	S/E 74 g.	November 2001	£700
Viola	1883	November 2001	£5,500
Violin	1890	November 2001	£11,348
Bass Bow	?/E 129 g.	June 2001	£1,127
Violin	1877	June 2001	£9,220
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g.	March 2001	£660
Violin	1879	December 2000	£7,136
Cello Bow	G/T 80 g.	November 2000	£1,045
Violin	1877	October 2000	£9,664
Violin	1881	May 2000	£12,971
Violin Bow	S/E 63 g.	March 2000	£1,610
Violin	1882	December 1999	£10,152
Violin	1890	November 1999	£4,600
Violin	1878	November 1999	£10,300
Violin	1890	November 1998	£6,900
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	November 1998	£1,380
Violin	1890	November 1998	£9,699
Viola	40.3 cm 1885	March 1998	£10,925
Violin	1885	November 1997	£7,820
Viola Bow	S/E 71 g.	November 1997	£2,185
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	November 1997	£1,380
Violin	1870 c.	October 1997	£8,050
Violin	1886	June 1997	£6,670
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	June 1997	£2,760
Violin Bow	S/E 64 g.	June 1997	£1,380
Violin Bow	N/E 61 g.	June 1997	£805
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	November 1996	£2,530
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	November 1996	£1,150
Cello Bow	S/E 81 g.	June 1996	£5,750
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g.	June 1996	£2,300
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	June 1996	£1,092
Violin	1876	May 1996	£11,275
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	March 1996	£3,450
Violin	1881	November 1995	£8,222
Cello Bow	S/E 84 g.	June 1995	£1,265
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	June 1995	£2,185
Violin Bow	S/E 54 g.	June 1995	£1,035
Violin	1876	November 1994	£8,050
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	November 1994	£3,954
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g.	November 1994	£805
Viola Bow	S/E 60 g.	June 1994	£1,610
Violin	1876	June 1994	£11,500
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	June 1994	£1,035
Violin Bow	S/E 62 g.	March 1994	£2,300
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	March 1994	£1,840
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	November 1993	£1,561
Violin	1879	November 1993	£13,800
Violin	18--	October 1993	£10,350
Violin	1890	August 1993	£9,350
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	July 1993	£1,610
Violin	1886	June 1993	£9,200
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	May 1993	£953
Violin	1879	April 1993	£16,100
Cello Bow	S/E 76 g.	November 1992	£2,640
Violin	1879	November 1992	£14,300
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	July 1992	£1,320
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	June 1992	£1,430
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	June 1992	£1,430
Violin	1870	November 1991	£9,900
Violin	1887	April 1991	£8,580
Violin	1890 c.	March 1991	£1,870
Viola	41.1 cm 1884	November 1990	£12,100
Violin	1887	November 1989	£8,580
Violin	1892	June 1989	£8,800
Violin	1891	November 1988	£6,600
Violin	1881	November 1988	£5,500
Viola Bow	S/E 69 g.	June 1985	£1,279
Violin	1875	January 1984	£2,567
Violin	18--	November 1982	£4,840
Violin	1885	June 1981	£3,190
Violin	1881	January 1981	£3,667

Maker Overview

History

Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand (1825-1892) was born on June 5, 1825, in Paris, France, and passed away on February 5, 1892, in Boulogne-sur-Seine. He was the younger son of Charles François Gand and received his early training in instrument making from his father and his brother, Charles Adolphe. Concurrently, he pursued musical studies, entering the Paris Conservatoire on November 19, 1834, and joining Baillot's special violin class on November 28, 1840, remaining there until Baillot's death in 1842. In 1855, he partnered with his brother, Charles Adolphe, to form Gand Frères. Following his brother's death in 1866, the business merged with that of the Bernardel brothers, becoming Gand et Bernardel Frères. This union combined two renowned houses and their workshops. Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand was celebrated as a connoisseur and an expert restorer of instruments. He was appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1878 and received other appointments from the royal houses of Belgium and Spain. He was made Officier de la Légion d'honneur on October 29, 1889.

Craft

Instrument Production: Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand's own instruments are considered rare. Under the Gand et Bernardel Frères name, over 2,000 instruments were produced by craftsmen in the workshop, with Eugène overseeing the activity and taking responsibility for the varnishing. All instruments from this period are fine examples of the Lupot-Gand tradition.
Exhibition Instruments: For the Paris Exhibition in 1878, the firm supplied 52 violins, 18 violas, 18 cellos, and 18 double basses, specifically made for the large orchestras playing there. These instruments were all labeled "Palais du Trocadero, 1878."
Workmanship: Although workmen constructed the instruments, Eugène himself applied the finishing touches and varnished all instruments bearing his name. Between 1866 and his death, 1506 violins, 460 cellos, and 190 violas passed through his hands, with the last violin completed on August 14, 1891.
Bows: He also produced very good bows, with his violin bows particularly noted for their lightness and perfect balance.
Special Exhibitions: In 1889, he and Gustave Bernardel exhibited a double-bass that was notable for being of ordinary size but featuring five strings.
Exhibition Awards: The firm was awarded a silver medal at the 1867 Exhibition. In 1878, they exhibited a double quartet, which was praised for its great beauty, harmonious proportions, careful workmanship, red varnish similar to Lupot's, and excellent tone, earning them a gold medal.

Influence

Mentorship: Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand was a pupil of his father, Charles François Gand, and his brother, Charles Adolphe Gand.
Musical Training: He trained as a violinist under Baillot at the Paris Conservatoire from 1840 to 1842.

Legacy

Awards and Honors: He was made Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur on October 20, 1878, and Officier de la Légion d'honneur on October 29, 1889. He also received the Nicham Iftichar on October 20, 1885, the Order of Leopold of Belgium on February 1, 1886, the Order of Isabelle la Catholique on March 18, 1889, and "les palmes académiques" on December 29, 1888.
Jury Appointments: He served as a member of the jury at various exhibitions, including Amsterdam (1883), Rouen (1884), Antwerp (1885), Havre (1887), Barcelona (1888), and Paris (1889).
Firm Awards: The firm "Gand" received a silver medal at the 1867 Exhibition and a gold medal at the 1878 Paris Exhibition.

Further Information

Workshop Locations: The firm "Gand et Bernardel freres" was initially located at 21, rue Croix-des-petits-Champs, and later moved to 4, passage Saulnier in 1883.
Bows Branding: Bows produced by the firm were branded "GAND & BERNARDEL."
Instrument Labels: Instruments made for the Paris Exhibition in 1878 were labeled "Palais du Trocadero, 1878." Other labels included "Eugène Gand fils / à Paris 1842 no1," "Gand & Bernadel à Paris 1842 No. 1," "Gand & Bernardel / Luthiers du Conservatoire de Musique / No.. Paris 18..," and "Gand & Bernadel Fres. / Luthiers de la Musique de l'Empereur et du Conservatoire. / No.. Pom 18..."

Summary

Charles Nicolas Eugene Gand (1825-1892) was a distinguished French luthier, born in Paris, who received his training from his father and brother, Charles Adolphe Gand. He also pursued musical studies at the Paris Conservatoire under Baillot. After partnering with his brother to form Gand Frères, he later merged the business with the Bernardel brothers, creating the renowned firm Gand et Bernardel Frères. Celebrated as a connoisseur and expert restorer, Gand was highly decorated, receiving the Chevalier and Officier de la Légion d'honneur, among other international accolades. While his personal instruments are rare, he oversaw the production of over 2,000 instruments, applying the finishing touches and varnishing, ensuring they upheld the Lupot-Gand tradition. The firm was recognized with silver and gold medals at major exhibitions, including the 1878 Paris Exhibition where they supplied numerous instruments. Gand also produced high-quality bows and served as a jury member for various international exhibitions, solidifying his legacy in the world of stringed instrument making.

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Biographies

John Dilworth Cecie Stainer Willibald Leo Lütgendorff

John Dilworth

GAND, Charles Nicolas Eugène Born 1825, died 1892 Paris France. Son of Charles François Gand, above. Pupil of his father and of his brother, Charles Adolphe. Trained as a violinist under Baillot in the Paris Conservatoire 1840-1842. Joined Charles Adolphe to form Gand Frères 1855. Made Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur 1878, along with other appointments by the royal houses of Belgium and Spain. Renowned as a connoisseur and expert restorer, his own instruments are rare. On the death of his brother, the business was integrated with that of Bernardel, becoming Gand et Bernardel Frères in 1866. Under this name over 2,000 instruments were produced by craftsmen working in the shop, but Eugène oversaw the activity and took responsibility for the varnishing. All instruments fine examples of the Lupot-Gand tradition. 32 violins, 18 violas, 18 cellos, and 18 double basses specially made for the Paris Exhibition 1878, all labelled: Palais du Trocadero, 1878. Bows branded: GAND & BERNARDEL Eugène Gand fils / à Paris 1842 no1 Gand & Bernadel à Paris 1842 No. 1 Gand & Bernardel / Luthiers du Conservatoire de Musique / No.. Paris 18.. Gand & Bernadel Fres. / Luthiers de la Musique de l’Empereur et du Conservatoire. / No.. Pom 18..

Cecie Stainer

Second son of Charles François Gand, b. June 5, 1825, Paris; d. Feb. 5, 1892, Boulogne-sur-Seine. He studied music, at the same time learnt his trade under his father and brother. Entered the Paris Conservatoire, Nov. 19, 1834, being admitted to Baillot’s special violin class, Nov. 28, 1840, and not leaving until Baillot’s death, in 1842. He joined his brother Charles Adolphe as partner in 1855 ; Adolphe dying in 1866, the two houses, Gand and Bernardel, became one. ” Gand et Bernardel freres” were first at 21, rue Croix-des-petits-Champs, then at 4, passage Saulnier in 1883.
Instruments were no longer carefully constructed by the maker himself, workmen had to be employed to make the quantities of instruments required for orchestra playing; during the Paris Exhibition, 1878, the firm ” Gand ” supplied 52 violins, 18 altos, 18 violoncellos, and 18 double-basses for the big orchestras playing there. These instruments all have ” Palais du Trocadero, 1878.” on their labels. Though clever workmen had worked on them, all instruments that bear his name received the finishing touches and were varnished by Eugene himself.
He also made very good bows, the violin bows especially are noted for their lightness and perfect balance. Like his father he was a great authority on old instruments. Between 1866 and the year of his death. 1506 violins, 460 violoncellos, and 190 altos passed through his hands, the last violin being finished on August 14, 1891. In 1889 he and Gustave Bernadel exhibited a double-bass, noticeable as being of the ordinary size, but having five strings. The firm was awarded the silver medal at the 1867 Exhibition ; in 1878 they exhibited a double quartet, which was reported on as being of great beauty, harmonious proportions, careful workmanship, with red varnish like that of Lupot, excellent tone, everything showing a skilled maker ; they were awarded the gold medal.
Eugene was made Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur (Oct. 20, 1878). He was appointed a member of the jury at the Exhibition of Amsterdam, 1883 ; Kouen, 1884; Antwerp, 1885 ; Havre. 1887; Barcelona, 1888 ; and of Paris, 1889, when he was made Officier de la Legion d’honneur (Oct. 29, 1889). He also received the following orders and honours : Nicham Iftichar. Oct. 20, 1885, order of Leopold of Belgium, Feb. 1, 1886; of Isabelle la Catholique, March 18, 1889 ; and ” les palmes academiques,” Dec. 29. 1888.