This violin is highly representative of the very good trade instruments that were produced in the better German studios during the 1920's through 40's. Such instruments formed the backbone of advanced student upgrades and entry level professional fare for the better part of the 20th century and has now largely been taken over by very good Chinese instruments.
Although unlabeled, this violin is highly reminiscent of the instruments imported into South Africa by the important Dutch violin maker, JJ Van de Geest, who died in 1974. It is notably in the overall workmanship, but particularly in the varnish that we see the same characteristics associated with very many of the violins generally labelled Made for J J Van de Geest.
The two-piece back and ribs are of good mildly-flamed maple with a medium straight curl. The neck and scroll are of less figured wood. The top is of excellent tone spruce with very fine winter growth at the centre seam widening slightly to the flanks. The scroll is perfunctory but elegant and the varnish is reddish brown with good transparency.
This violin is very well toned and responsive with nice clarity and projection. It certainly is suitable for a very wide range of standard repertoire, including concertos.