Everything about this violin convinces that it is a mid-18th century instrument. The label is dated 1753 and the wear, repairs, neck graft and bushings are what one would normally associate with such an instrument.

It is labelled as the work of Giovanni Garzoni, made in Milano in 1753. The label appears convincing in all aspects. However, no information or reference about this maker could be found in any books or on the internet, which makes this violin very interesting.

Although workmanship throughout is serious and shows experience and attention to detail - particularly in the purfling and corner work - this violin deviates somewhat from the norms in mainly three aspects: firstly the back and ribs appear to be made of birch and not maple. Furthermore the scroll does not follow the norm and although well-cut, it is highly idiosyncratic in shape (see photos). Thirdly, with a backlength of somewhat more than 36cm, it is larger than violins normally associated with Italian traditions.

The one-piece back, ribs and scroll appear to be of birch. The top is of very good tone spruce of medium to open grain. The well-figured maple neck obviously is later and fitted around 1800 when the neckgraft was done. The golden brown varnish has a touch of red and appears to be the original.

This violin is responsive and well-toned with the maturity one would expect of an instrument some 270 years old. It would serve a professional player well, or a young musician searching to invest in a career instrument.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.3 cm

Condition :

The neck graft and peg bushings have been extremely well done. It appears also that the fingerboard had been replaced in the violin's recent history. This violin has seen repairs to a crack in the back to the neck button and to a few cracks in the top - all repairs have been very well executed and can be said to be stable with no threat to the violin's structural integrity. It should serve very well for many decades to come.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request