This violin pleases from every point of view. Not only is it very appealing on the eye, but it's tonal properties match its good looks. Considering the wear in the varnish and elsewhere, one can assume it was made in the late 19th century, probably around 1880.

It is unlabelled and has no further identifiers that would link it to a specific maker that I know of. However, the arching and also the exquisite wine red varnish would suggest possible French roots, but that is not certain.

Workmanship throughout is excellent. The tracing of the purfling and cornerwork show an experienced hand. The scroll in particular is elegant and well-balanced, and combined with a somewhat narrow neck (that would suit a small hand well), it gives the whole instrument almost a feminine feel that would certainly suit a woman.

This is a really beautiful violin. One is struck by the two-piece back of well-figured maple with a narrow curl, nicely mirrored in the two halves. This is reflected in the ribs, neck and scroll. The top is of excellent tone spruce of medium to narrow grain, and the oil-based varnish is an exquisite deep wine red throughout, well-worn in the usual places.

This is a very good violin by all standards and from every point of view. It would truly suit a musician looking for a career instrument and a musical voice capable of performance of a wide range of repertoire.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :

This violin is in superb condition throughout. It has had only two observable repairs - one to a minor lower saddle crack, superbly cleated internally and perfectly stable; and to a wingcrack in the treble F - this has been solidly reinforced internally. A wedge has been fitted under the fingerboard - whether this was to correct the neck elevation, or intentional at the time of construction, is not clear, but it is superbly done.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request