This violin is labelled "Antonius Vinaccia, Napoli in Via Constantinii, a. 1792" and shows evidence of being repaired in 1902. Antonio Vinaccia was a renowned instrument maker in Naples during the mid-18th to late 19th centuries. He was known for making violins in the style of Gagliano and exceptional mandolins. His craftsmanship is preserved in Naples's Museo Spagnuolo (Palazzo degli Studi). Antonio's sons, Gennaro and Gaetano, also became instrument makers.
This violin bears the label " Antonius Vinaccia, Napoli in Via Constantinii, a. 1792", bearing the evidence of having been repaired in 1902, as indicated by the handwriting inside the instrument.
Antonio Vinaccia (1754–1781) was a pivotal figure in the history of instrument making. He was the head of a family of instrument makers in Naples during the mid-18th to late 19th centuries. His craftsmanship, which he honed in Naples from about 1766 to 1774, was highly regarded. Vinaccia was particularly known for making violins in the style of Gagliano and his exceptional mandolins. Some of his most significant works, such as his mandolins with beautifully inlaid backs of ivory, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell, are now preserved in Naples's Museo Spagnuolo (Palazzo degli Studi). These instruments bear a label that reads "Antonius Vinaccia, Napoli in Via Constantinii, a. 1766," and similar labels are dated 1774. Antonio's two sons, Gennaro and Gaetano, also followed in his footsteps and became instrument makers.
Moretti Egidio transitioned from cabinetmaking to violin making in 1924-1928. During 1945-1955 in Lavagna, Genoa, his instruments were known for their accuracy and good varnish, with two different labels used - handwritten and printed.
This is a French violin by Paul J. B. Chipot, made in 1926. Paul John Baptiste Chipot, the son of Chipot-Vuillaume, was a French luthier who established his own workshop in Vendome in 1923.
We have here a Labelled Amedee Dieudonne violin made around 1946 in Mirecourt, France. Amedee Dieudonne is a French luthier who specialized in copying Cremona Masters and was able to achieve a superior varnishing technique.
We have here the Orfeo Carletti Violin made in 1932. Orfeo Carletti is an Italian violin maker who opened a workshop together with his father and brother in Bologna.
The Rainer W. Leonhardt 2025 "November Bird" Violin is a handcrafted master violin made in Mittenwald, Germany, featuring a stunning one-piece bird's-eye maple back, a two-piece European spruce top, and a beautifully antiqued dark brown spirit varnish. Built from carefully selected tonewoods and crafted with traditional German craftsmanship, it delivers a warm, responsive tone with excellent projection.
Rainer W. Leonhardt is a fourth-generation master violin maker whose family workshop has been producing fine string instruments since 1926. Based in the historic violin-making town of Mittenwald, Germany, Leonhardt is renowned for combining traditional craftsmanship with exceptional tonal quality, creating instruments that are appreciated by musicians around the world.
Check out this Leonidas Nadegini violin made about 1920. Jean-Baptiste Leonidas Nadegini was a Ukrainian luthier who was awarded as gold medalist for sonority in Saint Petersbourg competition in 1907.
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.
