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.
The 1927 Collin-Mezin violin is a masterpiece crafted in the renowned Collin-Mezin Workshop, established in the 19th century by Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin in Paris. After passing in 1923, his son, Charles Collin-Mezin Jr., took over the workshop. In 1925, the workshop moved to Mirecourt, France. Known for producing vibrant instruments with outstanding sound flexibility, the workshop's tradition continues with the 1927 Collin-Mezin violin.
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.
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.
This is an A. Dieudonne Violin made in Mirecourt in about 1933. Amédée Dominique Dieudonné is a French luthier who specializes in copying the works of Cremona masters.
Amati Mangenot made this violin, but he "Italianised" his name and city, resulting in Mageno and Bordo.
Amati Mangenot (1901 – 1966), a French luthier, crafted this violin. He collaborated with the Laurent brothers and later took over Emile Laurent's workshop in Bordeaux.
We have here the Domenico Fantin Violin made in Varese, Italy 1971. Domenico Fantin’s instruments are played in major European and American orchestras. Great soloists like Yehudi Menuhin purchased one of his violins in 1969, and Uto Ughi, who owns two of his instruments.
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.
