This violin underscores the high standards maintained by the French firm of Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries. They produced instruments in different models, aimed at various levels of performance, using different generic names on their labels to denote the model, but always bearing the distinctive logo of a lyre with light beams emitting from it, as in this violin. The undated printed label has the inscription 'Dulcis et Fortis' (Sweet and Strong) which likely is an allusion to the main thought behind this violin. Further, there is a handwritten number '480' (upside down) on the rear wall inside the pegbox (see photo).

JTL set the French benchmark for high-quality trade instruments. Many important French violinmakers at some point either worked for this firm, or served on its directorship. In 1908 they were joined by Hugues-Emile Blondelet, initiating their zenith period between the years of 1908 and 1928, the year of Blondelet's death. Instruments from that era (as this violin probably is) are respected, not only for the excellent materials used in their production, but also for the fine workmanship displayed in the majority of their output. The JTL firm was still operating in 1930, maintaining its same high standards.

In this violin the one-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of good quality mildly-flamed maple, ostensibly of the same block of wood. The top is of fine spruce with a medium grain. Workmanship throughout is tidy, conforming to the standards of good French lutherie.

Like most JTL instruments, this violin is well-toned with a strong robust sound and is a pleasure to play and to listen to.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :

This violin has been fitted with a new nut and ebony pegs and comes with a Guarneri-type ebony chinrest and Hill tailpiece. It is structurally in excellent condition with absolutely no cracks or discernable repairs anywhere. Some marks are superficial and have no structural implications. The top's lower bass corner is slightly damaged there is some wear of the top edge on the G-string side, but none of this distracts from an otherwise healthy instrument which should serve trouble-free for many decades to comes.

Provenance :
	The property of Johan Grobbelaar

Price :

On application