Nor, nowadays, are they the colourful nomads of yore, drawing decorated caravans down dusty roads.

ECONOMIST: Europe��s spectral nation

Aboard the Normandie, the piano now up for sale occupied the ladies' drawing room and music room, which was decorated with Ruhlmann's furniture in tribute to the French designer, who died in 1933.

WSJ: Rare Ruhlmann piano to be auctioned in NYC