A large 19th century post mortem set by Collin. The instruments are made from ebony and steel and are of superior quality. All the major pieces are signed Collin and are complete, original and mint. The solid wood case (beech I think) is inlaid with a brass cross and the corners are bound in brass.

The Charriere business was taken over in 1866 by Adolphe Collin and Robert, two co-workers of Charriere. Robert left shortly after and the company continued as Collin & Cie until 1930, when it became part of Gentile.

• From the Phisick collection