The important Dutch authority, J. J. van de Geest, relabelled this violin to indicate that it was part of his collection and was made by James Hardy in Edinburgh in 1863. This serves as adequate certification of origin since Van de Geest was a master craftsman who had been the workshop overseer for George Hart & Son in London for 18 years until 1938. He was internationally respected as authority until his death in 1974.

James Hardy (1836 - 1916) spent most of his life in Edinburgh. He was a highly prolific maker and when he died at the age of 80, he left behind some 2,000 violins. Hardy would have been 27 when he made this instrument.

This violin throughout shows a steady hand with attention to detail in all respects. The choice of materials is good; the two-piece back, ribs and scroll are of good mildly flamed maple with a narrow to medium curl. The neck appears to be later. The top is of good tone spruce and the purfling is tidy throughout. The golden-brown varnish is appealing to the eye.

This is a well-toned violin with focus and projection and is suitable for solo performance. It would certainly be a good career instrument.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.0 cm

Condition :
	This violin is in impeccable condition, completely free from repairs or cracks. All pegholes have been superbly rebushed and the pegs appear to be later - all probably done by J. J. van de Geest around 1969. It also has a superb neck graft and ebony crown on the neck button indicating that the neck was probably replaced at some stage.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request