By all standards this is an excellent viola. It is superbly made, appealing to the eye and very well toned with clarity, focus and projection.
It was made 1900 by the firm of Alban Voigt who operated a large studio in Sachsen from where they supplied to dealerships in Germany and notably in London, but also exported further afield.
The choice of materials and the standard of workmanship in this viola are exceptionally high, culminating in a very attractive instrument with immediate appeal. The two-piece back shows a mildly flamed maple of medium curl, whereas the ribs, neck and scroll are all of more distinct flame with a narrower curl. The top is of superb tone spruce with a medium grain throughout. The oil varnish is truly beautiful - light brown and of high transparency.
Workmanship throughout is excellent. The scroll is elegant and very refined. The Fs are beautifully proportioned and the purfling is well traced. The cornerwork is impeccable with superb mitres. It is lightly antiqued, which adds to the appeal.