The Helmut Illner German Cello 2003 is a handcrafted instrument made in Heroldsbach, Germany, bearing its original SIR – German Handcraft label and Helmut Illner’s handwritten signature. A specialist cello maker associated with SIR (String Instrument Research), Illner gained international recognition following distinctions at the 1992 Manchester International Cello Festival, including “Best of Sound” and “Of Merit.” This 2003 cello represents his mature craftsmanship and specialised approach to modern German cello making.

Key Features:

• Maker: Helmut Illner

• Year: 2003

• Place: Heroldsbach, Germany

• Workshop: SIR

• Label: Original & signed

• Awards: Manchester, 1992

The H. Émile Blondelet Cello, Paris 1923, is an early 20th-century French instrument bearing the label of Hugues Émile Blondelet (1875–1928) and numbered B 616. Born in Mirecourt, Blondelet joined the renowned JTL workshop at fifteen and became co-director in 1908. Known for finely crafted instruments inspired by Amati and Stradivari models, he was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1923, the same year this cello is dated. Its Paris provenance and association with Blondelet's mature working period make it an appealing historic French cello.

Key Features:

• Maker: H. Émile Blondelet

• Dates: 1875–1928

• Instrument: Cello

• Year: 1923

• No.: B 616

• Place: Paris

• Origin: France

• School: Mirecourt

• Early 20th century

The Léon Bernardel Cello, Paris 1928, is a late-period French instrument bearing the label of Léon Bernardel (1853–1931), numbered 1108, and featuring a 2200 back. Bernardel was a respected Parisian luthier from the celebrated Bernardel family, trained by Justin Derazey, and worked with Gand & Bernardel Frères before establishing his own workshop at 40 bis Faubourg Poissonnière. His instruments continued the family's distinguished French tradition and were frequently inspired by Lupot and Stradivari models.

Key Features:

• Maker: Léon Bernardel

• Dates: 1853–1931

• Year: 1928

• Place: Paris

• No.: 1108

• Back: 2200

 Achieving ultimate in substance, purity and melodiousness of sound.

• Use of matured, high-quality tonewoods

• Beautifully flamed Bosnian maple for the back, rib and neck

• Slow, evenly-grown mountain spruce is used for the top.

• Use Traditional Guild knowledge with modern technology to achieve a tonal optimum.

• Varnish is personally produced, following traditional recipes using only select resins.

• With loving care, each cello, such as this one, is given a special touch.

• Customers repeatedly praised him for the instrument’s light response and strong, full tone paired with the instrument’s inner melodiousness.

Giovanni Battista Zanoli, with his label 'Joannes Baptista' Zanoli. The cello was made in Verona, Northern Italy, in 1747.

German Cello by Helmut Illner - Goffriller Model. According to the label, it was made in 2004, just before Helmut Illner's retirement. This cello is handmade and hand-varnished with a balm mixture of red-brown. It is one of the high-level instruments made by Illner. 

The 7/8 Amati-Mangenot Cello, Bordeaux 1932, is an early 20th-century French instrument bearing the label of Paul Amati Mangenot (1901–1966). Born in Mirecourt, Mangenot trained with his father, Paul Alexandre Mangenot, and the Laurent family before taking over Émile Laurent’s Bordeaux workshop in 1925. This cello’s comfortable 7/8 dimensions and historical French character make it an appealing choice for players seeking a mature instrument in a slightly smaller format.

Key Features:

• Maker: Amati Mangenot

• Dates: 1901–1966

• Size: 7/8

• Year: 1932

• Place: Bordeaux

• Origin: France

• Teacher: Émile Laurent

• Early 20th century

Stoehr cello - to be set up. The price includes setting up that includes a Bavarian spruce sound post, the highest quality French bridge, ca $600 worth of strings, and a German Carbon Tailpiece.

• Use of matured, high-quality tonewoods

• Beautifully flamed Bosnian maple for the back, rib and neck

• Slow, evenly-grown mountain spruce is used for the top.

• Use Traditional Guild knowledge with modern technology to achieve a tonal optimum.

• Varnish is personally produced, following traditional recipes using only select resins.

• With loving care, each cello, such as this one, is given a special touch.

• Customers repeatedly praised him for the instrument’s light response and strong, full tone paired with the instrument’s inner melodiousness.