This is an excellent example of the work of the important French maker, Didier Nicolas l'aîné (1757- 1833). Not only is it visually very appealing, but it is very well-toned and suitable for solo performance. It bears the maker's characteristic triangular brand inside in the back and is sold with a 1945 certificate of authenticity by John and Arthur Beare. It is undated and probably made around 1825.

The beautiful wine-red varnish is untouched, though slightly worn in the usual places. The one-piece back and ribs are of attractive mildly flamed maple with a medium curl repeated in the neck and scroll. The tone spruce top is of very fine grain. Workmanship throughout is excellent.

This violin is responsive and speaks with ease - a real pleasure to play on, and satisfying.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.8 cm

Condition :

This violin is structurally perfectly secure. The only discernable repairs are an inner patch to a soundpost crack in the top, truly superbly done, and to a crack in the upper treble quadrant of the top, cleated and stable and hardly visible. Minor cracks at the bass F hole and in the back next to the neck button are professionally repaired and consistent in violins some 200 years old. A wedge is fitted under the fingerboard to correct the elevation and is hardly discernable.

Provenance :
	This violin was the main instrument of a foremost South African soloist and teacher during the 70s and 80s. It was variously used by several other important South African violinists for recitals and concerto performances. Ownership withheld.

Price :

on request