The earliest information about this particular violin is that it was the main instrument of a gentleman who was a principal player in the English Chamber Orchestra for many years until his retirement. The family eventually sold it through a private sale. Although no further documentation or authentication is available, two important dealerships handled the violin and considered it to be the authentic work of Johannes Cuijpers (1724-1808). If this is correct and since this violin is dated 1808, this would be one of his last instruments, if not the last.

No matter which way you approach this violin and its identifiers, there can be very little doubt that this is the authentic work of this Dutch master who became styled as the Stradivarius of Holland. The label appears to be indisputably authentic, written by hand and corresponds exactly to the known labels of Johannes Theodorus Cuijpers (see photo). Furthermore this instrument has a repair note (in Dutch) written directly on the wood and slightly overlapping the original Cuijpers label. This repair note is very difficult to read, but appears to say 'Gerepareerd in Irbelerd (?) by R. Winter te Utrecht, 22 October 1849' (Repaired in Irbelerd by R. Winter in Utrecht, 22 October 1849) (see photo). It appears that this R. Winter may have been related to Joseph Winter (1786 - 1860), an important craftsman, who operated in Utrecht at that time.

Everything about this violin demonstrates discernment in craftsmanship of a very high order. The materials are well chosen, not only for visual appeal, but also it would appear for tonal response. The two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll appear to be of the same piece of maple with a straight, narrow curl. The top is of good tone spruce. Workmanship throughout is of a very high order, conforming to the demands of high level lutherie.

This violin has a superbly executed neck graft - as good as one could expect from any master craftsman, along with an superbly fitted ebony crown on the neck button. Importantly in this violin, the top and back seem to be completely free from repairs or cracks.

This violin is unusually responsive throughout the full register and certainly up to the qualities one would expect from a good Johannes Cuijpers.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.4 cm

Condition :
	The front and back appear to be completely free from repairs or cracks - quite extraordinary for an instrument from 1808. It does appear however, that the base of the peg box underwent some graft but is structurally completely secure. This work may have been carried out by R Winter in Utrecht in 1849. Other than that, this violin is in a superb condition throughout.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request