Paul Kaul Cello 1909
Excerpt from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas • Mon, Feb 15, 1932 - Page 4s
“Instruments Played in Dark Before Jury Composed of Noted Belgian Musicians.
(Copyright, 1932, by The Star-Telegram.) PARIS, Feb. 14.-Paul Kaul is the man who has raised the French art of violin making to the first rank. Three times he has gained the first prize in international competitions, beating even a Stradivarius by 177 points.
The latest competitions were held in Brussels, the jury being composed of the most eminent Belgian musicians. The violins were played in the dark by two of the best professional players, with only a letter and a number to distinguish them. A large number of musicians and music lovers were present and voted. The competitions lasted two days, and the votes of the jury corresponded with those of the public. Paul Kaul's violin triumphed with a majority of 203 points.
Working alone in a tiny workshop on the outskirts of Paris, Kaul produces about six instruments a year. They generally come into the hands of celebrities, and travel about the world, delighting millions with their rich and melodious tones.”
“The town of Mirecourt, in Lorraine, is the birthplace of this modern Stradivarius. He claims that Mirecourt has taken the place of Cremona, the Italian home of so many celebrated violin makers at the beginning of the eighteenth century-Amati, Stradivarius, Guarneri, etc.-and that the little town has become the hospital of the invalid violins of the world.
It was at Mirecourt that Paul Kaul's father and grandfather lived, both engaged in the art of violin making, which he learned when very young. His son, also called Paul & Kaul, developed early a great taste for music and has become an excellent violinist, playing his father's instruments to perfection.
Not long ago the management of a large manufactory for musical instruments in Germany made the old violin maker an important offer if he would go there and start a school so that the younger generations might learn his art. But Paul Kaul cares nothing for money, and so refused the offer. Desiring that his own country should keen supremacy in the precious art of violin making.”
Excerpt from The Province, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada • Sat, May 26, 1934 - Page 10
“Among modern violin makers, one who has established himself through thorough workmanship and the tonal perfection of his instruments is Paul Kaul, the French master of violin making who was born in Ninecourt, France on December 19, 1875, a son, and grandson of violin makers.
At the age of 14, he entered the renowned workshops of Thibouville Lamy, where he won a first prize offered by the minister of public instruction. Later he joined the eminent Sylvestre and Maucotel establishment, where he produced one instrument which revealed such tonal and formal beauty perfection, that it was exhibited as the model of the art of violin making. Paul Kaul won the first prize of the international sonority contest at Paris, 1910 and 1912.”
Paul Kaul (1875-1951) apprenticed at the workshop Thibouville-Lamy in Mirecourt. Then he worked for Silvestre and Maucotel in Paris (1900-1905). He then established himself independently in Nantes where he crafted this cello.
Kaul chose the very best in tonewoods for this beautiful-looking cello that impresses with its figured maple back, showing pronounced narrow maple flames, slightly descending towards the sides.
Over the years, several repairs were performed on this instrument. This includes an old sound post patch at the back.
This cello impresses with its exquisite sound, transmitting subtle nuances in the hands of the performing artist.
Since the cello has been repaired, the value is reduced, compared to a Kaul cello without such repairs. A Kaul cello, prepared for sale by a dealer/restorer, is typically offered for amounts between 50k and 100k US Dollars (see reference further down).
Ref: http://www.wamsleyviolins.com/instruments/cellos-50k-to-100k/
https://www.bryantcellos.com/paul-kaul