From every perspective this is an impressive instrument. Although sold by an important English dealership in 1996 as being of the Hill school, the reality is that it is unlabelled. Other knowledgeable commentators have expressed the opinion that it may have French roots or even be of Italian origin. What is certain is that this cello had been in the Hill workshop for some unspecified work and bears the number 6945 stamped into the end of the fingerboard, as was the customary for the Hill studio when an important instrument went through their business.

Although this cello was sold as dating from Circa 1780/90, one expert felt rather that it dated from the early 1700s century. It has an impeccably executed neck graft along with a perfectly fitted ebony crown on the neck button. All pegholes have been rebushed and one can assume that this work was undertaken in the Hill workshop. The back and ribs are in excellent condition and the only flaw is a minor crack in one of the ribs, next to the neck root.

The top has seen some restoration, mostly very well done, but a master craftsman could restore this cello's top to a pristine condition. It has an historic repaired bass bar crack, a repaired wing crack to the treble F and a few minor cracks along the edges which all seem to have been well repaired. The treble half of the top appears to have two vertical inserts grafted in (see photos). Whether this was part of the original construction or a later repair is not clear, but it is impeccably done, structurally secure and is virtually invisible.

Some retouching of the varnish in the front was less successful and could be improved by a master craftsman.

This instrument was in high-level professional use till recently, when the owner passed away.

It is fully restorable, without much cost or invasion, to an impeccable condition.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 73.7 cm

Condition :
	The most important consideration is an unsecured soundpost crack in the top: this is hardly visible but will require an interior patch. There are a few minor seam separations which require attention. A general varnish review and some retouching would be appropriate. The back and ribs are in excellent condition. Generally the entire setup of bridge and soundpost may need to be redone.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request