The English authority, William Henley, refers to instruments labelled M. Couturieux simply as 'Mirecourt work'. In fact, he describes the label accurately enough (photo). This is a euphemistic relegation of this violin to the large centre of violinmaking studios in the east of France, where much of France's string instruments were produced, notably during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exactly when this violin was made. René Vannes does not even refer to this labelling, but indicates that history has known a Michel Couturieux who was active in Paris around 1860, but this violin is manifestly not his work - that maker branded his work and was known only as the consequence of one violin known to be by him.

Had this violin been unlabelled one could have believed it to be the work of a prominent high-profile luthier, as the workmanship manifest in it is of very high quality, throughout and in all aspects. Whether dismissed as Mirecourt work or not, this is an excellent violin with very good tone deserving of more credit than given.

The materials are superb, really nicely chosen woods - the maple for the two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are well-flamed nicely figured wood of medium curl. The top is of excellent tone spruce. Purfling and cornerwork are impeccable, the Fs are elegant and balanced and nicely positioned.

The only discernable repairs are to a wingcrack at the lower left f-hole and to a crack in the top running upwards from the right end of the lower saddle for about 10 cm. This has been correctly repaired and cleated and is to be considered as completely stable.

This violin is well-toned, with focus and projection.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.0 cm

Condition :
	Very good condition. The only discernable repairs are to a wingcrack at the left f-hole and to a lower saddle crack running along the tailpaice for about 10 cm. All have been correctly and professionally repaired and cleated and are completely stable.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

P.O.A.