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.
Egidio Moretti Violin made in 1947 in Lavagna, Italy
Between 1924 and 1928, Moretti Egidio seamlessly transitioned from cabinetmaking to violin making. He gained an excellent reputation for his work in Lavagna, Genoa, from 1945 to 1955, where residents noted the two labels he used for his instruments - handwritten and printed. His classical models were characterized by their precision and high-quality varnish in intense red or light colours. His work was highly regarded by many.
Bearing the label "Laurentius Bellafontana fecit Genuae Anno Domini 1943," this violin is the work of Lorenzo (Laurentius) Bellafontana (1906–1979), a distinguished member of the Genoese school and a pupil of Oreste Candi. The Latin label translates to "Laurentius Bellafontana made [this] in Genoa in the year of Our Lord 1943" and includes his characteristic LBG monogram and handwritten signature. Bellafontana's violins are admired for their refined craftsmanship, warm Italian tone, elegant design, responsive playability, and rich orange-red varnish, making them highly regarded examples of 20th-century Italian violin making.
Check out this Copy of Giuseppe Fiorini violin 1926. Giuseppe Fiorini an Italian luthier, the son and student of Raffaele Fiorini who established the "Rieger and Fiorini" violin-making firm in Munich. A passionate teacher, donating materials and relics to the Municipality of Cremona in order to establish a violin-making school there.
Check out this Ryszard Osowski Violin Bronze Plus. Ryszard Osowski is a Polish luthier who gradually perfected the sound and quality of his instruments. As a result, he concentrated more on building his own stringed instrument, passionately pursuing crafting highly advanced violins.
Check out this Didier Nicolas Violin made around 1780 in Mirecourt, France. Didier Nicolas is a French luthier who owns the workshop D. Nicolas Aine, one of the most successful violin companies in Mirecourt during the late 1700s and 1800s.
This violin features the original handwritten label "Mario Gadda – Fece in Mantova – Anno 1982" together with the inscription "Modello Ansaldo Poggi," identifying it as a handcrafted Italian violin made in Mantua in 1982 and inspired by the renowned Poggi model. Created during the peak of Mario Gadda's career, the instrument combines the rich Mantuan violin-making tradition inherited from his father, Gaetano Gadda, with Gadda's own exceptional craftsmanship, producing the powerful tone, refined workmanship, and enduring quality for which his instruments are internationally admired.
Introducing the Roberto Cavagnoli Violin 2017. Roberto Cavagnoli received many awards including the Silver Medal for tone quality from the Violin Society of America in 2004 and the third prize at the 11th International Competition ‘Triennale’ in Cremona for sound quality.
Léon Bernardel (1853–1931) learned violin making under his father, Ernest Auguste Bernardel, and later worked with Derazey before joining the family’s shop, Gand et Bernardel Frères. In 1899, he established his firm, collaborating with his son, Léon (II). Bernardel’s violins are highly celebrated for their rich, warm tone and exceptional projection, a result of his innovative craftsmanship and attention to detail. His instruments remain sought after by musicians and collectors, and his work continues to inspire luthiers to this day.
A violin made and labelled in 1917 by Leandro Bisiach (1864 – 1945) of Milan, an Italian violin maker born in Casale Monferratos, known as the father of violin makers in the Bisiach family.