I have just been to an auction in Manchester in the UK in which there
was a 4-overture Nicole.  The nice thing about this one was that it
was also a Forte/Piano. It had an engraved brass tune sheet and played
three Rossini overtures and one by Weber, all well known.

As to condition, the case was eaten away by woodworm but the lid was
okay.  The bass of the forte comb was so clogged up with dirt you
couldn't hear the bass notes.  As a direct consequence of this, there
were seven tips off on the bass.  The stop/start was also missing.

It was keenly contested by two collectors and myself and, despite an
estimate of about 500 GBP ($700 USD), it sold to a collector at 7600
GBP ($11000 USD) including premium.

I wonder when I will next see another 4-overture forte/piano Nicole.
Excuse me whilst I cry into my cornflakes.

Brian Chesters