Circa 1972, marked above dual keyboards ''William Dowd Boston 1972'', stamped and numbered to interior ''William Dowd 239-71'', the squared case decorated throughout the exterior with gilt Chinoiserie figural scenes on a black lacquer ground, the interior polychrome-painted with scrolling blooming foliage, raised overall on a custom Louis XVI-style carved giltwood base on tapering fluted legs, 40.75'' H x 38.75'' W x 96.25'' D, est: $6000/9000
Note: William Dowd (1922-2008 American) founded his first harpsichord workshop in Boston, MA in 1949 with Frank Hubbard. In 1958, Dowd established his own workshop and made a very limited number of instruments per year until 1988; many of his harpsichords were two-manual models like the present example, modeled after those of the master French makers Francois-Etienne Blanchet and Pascal Taskin. Provenance: Estate of Andrew F. Chandler

Overall good condition, with scattered minor scuffs and wear to case and stand commensurate with age. Lacking front panel/fall board. Upper keyboard apparently jammed; lower keyboard playable but out of tune. Would benefit from servicing.