Interesting Tyrolean master violin, approx. 1750-1800 $ Contact Us
This mature, mid 18th century Tyrolean master violin is a great example of exceptionally fine quality of the violin's flawless craftsmanship and individual appearance. Defining features indicate that the violin was made in the Alpine region of Tyrol in Italy, influenced by the predominant school of Klotz in Mittenwald at the time. The delicate radish brown varnish applied on a golden-yellow ground has developed interesting patina and determines the antique appearance of this fine master violin.
Original maker's name and label has been lost in history. However there are some traces of a decrepit label that can be partially read as "Frank ... maker ... Rochdale Lancashire ... 19...". It looks that Frank Watson who was an England violin maker and lived during the late mid 19th century and beginning of 20th century was one of the luthiers who repaired it and probably grafted the violin neck.
The fact that the neck was grafted on both sides shows that the original violin was made earlier than 1820 when all violins had a shorter neck and different angle attached to the body. A few major professional repairs and restorations were done to the instrument. Both back and top have been repaired but sides and ribs look intact. It means that the instrument is generally valuable once a few master level violin luthiers spent a lot of effort to preserve it.
The violin still remains in a solid playable condition. We recommend it to professionals and demanding musicians because of its warm, full, matured sound with a wealth of timbres that permit a wide range of finely nuanced interpretations.
Original maker's name and label has been lost in history. However there are some traces of a decrepit label that can be partially read as "Frank ... maker ... Rochdale Lancashire ... 19...". It looks that Frank Watson who was an England violin maker and lived during the late mid 19th century and beginning of 20th century was one of the luthiers who repaired it and probably grafted the violin neck.
The fact that the neck was grafted on both sides shows that the original violin was made earlier than 1820 when all violins had a shorter neck and different angle attached to the body. A few major professional repairs and restorations were done to the instrument. Both back and top have been repaired but sides and ribs look intact. It means that the instrument is generally valuable once a few master level violin luthiers spent a lot of effort to preserve it.
The violin still remains in a solid playable condition. We recommend it to professionals and demanding musicians because of its warm, full, matured sound with a wealth of timbres that permit a wide range of finely nuanced interpretations.
