Being unlabelled, this violin is strictly of unknown origin. However, much can be discerned from the careful study of its various features. Firstly, it can be safely assumed that this violin dates from the mid 19th century and is almost certainly of French origin, discernable from its varnish and body length. Also, much of it is reminiscent of the output of the Derazey studios in Mirecourt.

However, a valuable insight is that it appears to have been restored from a condition of considerable neglect by the very important Danish violin maker, Amon Bilmark (1894-1961). It is still fitted with Bilmark's bridge. Bilmark was a supreme craftsman who learnt his trade directly in Rome from the greatest twentieth century teacher of violin making and restoration, Simone Sacconi.

Bilmark was a supremely good craftsman and restorer and it can be said with certainty that he would not have wasted time and energy on the intricate restoration of a lesser instrument. We see in this violin superb restorative work done to several body cracks, notably to two cracks in the back, both repaired with superb patches and cleating. In particular one has to admire the outstanding bushing of all the pegholes, not only showing the hand of a master, but also a testimony to the violin's genuine age and much use. It also has a neck button graft masterfully executed and retouched. Today one can say with confidence that this instrument is structurally perfectly secure.

The two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of nicely flamed maple of medium curl. The top interestingly seems to be of a single piece of fine tone spruce with medium grain on the treble side, widening to the bass side. This violin is fitted with double purfling in the front and back, as well as superbly executed purfled embellishments in the back, often associated with copies of the work of Da Salo or Duiffopruggar. The scroll and Fs are elegant and balanced. The varnish is a dark red brown with more emphasis on the red - of a shade associated with some studios in Mirecourt.

This violin speaks with the maturity you expect from an older instrument. It has clearly been well used and appreciated and one can be grateful that it came into the hands of Bilmark who gave it a new lease of life. It should serve a discerning and appreciative musician for many more decades. It really is a superb instrument.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.2 cm

Condition :

This violin has been fully restored by the important violin maker and restorer, Amon Bilmark (1894-1961), probably during the 1940s, and it can be said to be perfectly secure structurally with all cracks fully cleated and patched internally. Sadly some careless workman at some stage applied clamps to the upper bout which left permanent marks in the wood, but which fortunately have no impact on structural integrity.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request