This is a French Trade Violin Instrument made around 1925. The images show the details and features of various parts of the instrument.
A French Trade Violin Instrument made around 1925
Based on its label, this French trade violin is from Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (7 October 1798 – 19 March 1875) a French luthier, born in Mirecourt, France. His father and grandfather were both luthiers which explains his interest in violins and other stringed instruments. He later joined various workshops when he moved to Paris in 1818. One in particular is the workshop of Simon Lete, the son-in-law of François-Louis Pique at Rue Pavée St. Sauveur. Their partnership led them to settle in Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs in 1825 under the name of "Lété et Vuillaume."However, his first labels are dated 1823.
He became a great inventor and winner of various awards such as a silver medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1827. He started his own business at 46 Rue Croix des Petits-Champs became the most important workshop in Paris, creating over 3000 instruments.
This is the J.T.L. Violin made in France. JTL or Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy & Cie is a musical instrument making company in France formed by Louis Emile Jérôme Thibouville and Marguerite Hyacinthe Lamy in the 1900’s.
This is a Collin - Mezin violin made in Paris in 1902. Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin (1841–1923) was a Parisian luthier an Officier de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts and won gold and silver medals in 1878, 1889, and 1900 at the Paris Exhibitions.
This is a French violin built by Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy in Mirecourt. It's a sought-after "Compagnon" violin, known for its antique appearance and warm, mature sound.
This is a Henri Farny violin made around 1910 and imported from Mirecourt, France to the USA with a label. Henri Farni’s works were mostly imported by Rembert Wurlitzer from Mirecourt, France to Cincinnati and New York USA.
This French violin, made around 1925, is nearly a century old. Animato Strings offers a wide range of instruments—both new and antique—from various countries, with prices from under $200 to $100k. Their workshop specializes in expert restoration and setup services.
Paul Lorange, a renowned French luthier from Lyon, worked in Marseille during the early to mid-20th century. He established his independent workshop in the city in the early 1930s and was known for his fine workmanship on classical models and his use of various shades of red varnish. The violin in question was made in 1932, and it's noted that the handwriting on the violin and his original label may differ.
Victor Audinot (1870-1943), also known as Audinot-Mourot, came from a family of luthiers in Mirecourt. Mentored by Francois Chardin and Telesphore Barbé, Audinot was mainly influenced by Barbé, who had honed his skills working for Jean Baptiste Vuillaume in Paris. This experience helped shape Audinot’s successful career in instrument making.
Victor worked in Mirecourt, known for luthier tradition, before moving to Paris to set up his workshop on Rue Truffaut in 1913. He dedicated himself to his craft until retiring in 1936. He passed his expertise to five of his six sons and aspiring luthiers. Renowned for creating exact replicas of classical instruments, he crafted an exceptional copy of the ornately decorated Stradivari violin known as the ‘Sunrise’, showcasing his artistry.
Marc Laberte (1880–1963) was trained as a violin maker and joined the family company in 1911. By 1919, the Laberte firm had around 400 craftsmen and was successful. However, the war in 1942 devastated the business, leading to its closure. Despite this, Laberte was known for his exceptional instruments and bows, earning several honours and medals.
This violin has the original Marc Laberte label and bears the number #3010. A second label states Grand Prix Paris 1931, Exposition Internationale Bruxelles 1935 Membre Du Jury, and Exposition Internationale New York 1939. The prices they won before and during the start of the world war 2.
