René Quenoil labelled violin dated 1947

The label and brand mark show 'René Quenoil' 1947, but this violin was not made by him. It was, however, made by one maker, so it is not a typical trade instrument. It was probably made in Eastern Europe around the middle of the 20th Century. Rene Quenoil (1921 – 2018) is a French luthier born in Paris on August 7, 1921. He is the son of Victor Quenoil who became his first mentor from the age of 14. Then he went to Amédée Dieudonné’s studio in Mirecourt. After that, he worked for Marcel Vatelot and for Emile Français who was a luthier at Paris Conservatory where he had his 8-year internship. He then left in January 1948 to settle on Boulevard de Clichy.

Queniol became a highly respected Parisian stringed instrument maker, luthier, and repairer. He received two honorary diplomas in 1949 for a violin and cello that he presented at the international violin-making competition in The Hague. He was also awarded craftsmanship medals in Poznan and Paris in 1957 and 1965. He established his workshop in Paris at 'Rue de Liège from 1976 until his death last 2018 at the age of 96.