This violin is labelled Giuseppe Carlo Fratelli Fiscer, fabbricatori d'instrumenti in Milano, vicino alla balla, 1710 (see photo). Instruments with this labelling have made it into books by, among others, the authority, William Henley, who refers to the two brothers Giuseppe and Carlo Fiscer as German, having moved to Italy and Italianized their names and worked in Milan. The authority, Karel Jalovec includes them in his work, Italian Violin Makers, as Italian and omits them from his book, German and Austrian Violin Makers. He further indicates that Giuseppe disappears from records around 1764, inferring that he may have died then. The French writer, René Vannes also considers them as being of German origin and working in Milan between 1760 and 1778.

However, more recent research has established that there is no credible historic evidence that makers or a firm by that exact name operated in Milan in the 1700s, or at any other time, and today this labelling is generally accepted in the international violin fraternity and market as being spurious.

Adding to that, in this violin one is aware of extreme deliberate antiquing, evident in the superficial manipulation of the varnish, using all such known techniques to achieve an appearance of being much older than it is. Although such antiquing was commonplace in commercial workshops, the extent and manner in which this was done here, is consistent with work associated specifically with the Caussin school and some commercial studios in Mirecourt during the late 19th century - and does not exclude Markneukirchen workshops.

This instrument follows the Stradivari model. Workmanship in this violin is refined throughout. One is impressed by the superb tracing of purfling and cornerwork. The one-piece back clearly is of rather broad curl. The top is of excellent tone spruce, with very narrow grain at the centre line, widening slightly to the flanks. The 6 rib-pieces are unmatched and somewhat plain, except for the two in the upper bout, which are slightly flamed. The oil-based varnish is a nice warm golden colour with a touch of red, over a yellow ground.

In conclusion, it is my considered opinion that this is a French instrument from one of the more commercial studios, made around 1880. It remains a lovely and intriguing violin that is very satisfying to play.

This violin would suit a musician who is after an old violin full of character and charm.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.8 cm

Condition :
	A treble wing crack and one other crack in the top's lower bass quadrant have been well-repaired and are stable, posing no structural threat to the violin. The rest of the violin can be stated to be stated to be in truly excellent condition. It has a superbly executed neck graft and ebony crown on the neck button. All pegholes are rebushed.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request