This exceptional French violin is a masterpiece crafted by the renowned luthier Jean Baptiste Colin in Mirecourt, Paris, back in 1901. The violin's exceptional characteristics contribute to the continued popularity of his violins in modern times.
Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin (1841–1923) was a Parisian luthier who crafted violins, violas, cellos, basses, and bows. He established a name for himself in contemporary circles, noted for his fine craftsmanship and the brilliant tonal qualities of his instruments. This French-born luthier produced instruments in the style of Collin-Mezin or Vuillaume. He began his career as an apprentice to his father before moving to Belgium to work with Nicolas-Francois Vuillaume.
In 1868, Colin moved to Paris and began crafting superior violins. As an Officier de l’Académie des Beaux-Arts, he won gold and silver medals in 1878, 1889, and 1900 at the Paris Exhibitions.
Jean-Baptiste Colin, who produced excellent craftsmanship for many years, primarily in Mirecourt and Paris, passed away in Paris in 1923.
The violin's exceptional characteristics contribute to the continued popularity of his violins in modern times.
This is the Paul Kaul violin made in France dated 1918. Paul Kaul is a French violin maker who joined several workshops such as Thibouville Lamy, Silvestre and Maucotel, Vuillemin-Didion. He started several workshops on rue Racine, Nantes in 1907, rue du Pont Communeau in 1908, and at 130 Boulevard Brune in 1926.
Have a look at this Gliga Vasile 4/4 Violin with Lady's Head Scroll (Instrument Only). Gliga Vasile Special Series: Lady's head in scroll.
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.
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 German-Made Helmut Illner A-Level Violin Carved and varnished in Germany according to the specifications of German luthier Helmut Illner.
Lambert-Humbert Frères was a well-known violin manufacturer in Mirecourt from 1876 to 1969. They produced various instruments from reputable makers like Joseph Aubry and Georges Apparut. The company changed to L.F.M. in 1919 and obtained the prestigious brand “A La Ville de Cremone” in 1927. Unfortunately, the industry declined in the mid-20th century, leading to the closure of all major firms by the 1960s, including Laberte.
This violin features the original label "Made by Ian W. Clarke, Biddeston, Australia. March 1982," identifying it as a handcrafted Australian violin completed in March 1982. Ian W. Clarke (born 1948) is one of Australia's leading contemporary luthiers, having graduated with distinction from the Newark School of Violin Making after winning a Silver Medal at the Cremona Triennale. Since returning to Queensland in 1981, he has continued to build and restore fine stringed instruments from his Biddeston workshop. Crafted during the early years of his Australian career, this violin offers documented provenance, outstanding craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of an instrument made by one of Australia's most respected living violin makers.
