Laberte-Humbert Frères Violin 1929
Lambert-Humbert Frères firm (fl. 1876 – 1969) was a major violin manufacturer in Mirecourt, offering a wide range of models and quality levels.
This Mirecourt firm was established in 1876 by violin-making brothers Maurice-Emile and Pierre Alexis Auguste Laberte. Initially, it manufactured only factory instruments, some of which had fictitious labels like 'J. Didelot'.
In the early 20th century, Marc Laberte expanded the selection of high-quality instruments by including those from Joseph Aubry, Charles Brugere, Camille Poirson, and Georges Apparut, all of whom were reputable makers.
In 1902, Apparut joined Laberte firm as the leader of “artistic” production and remained until 1923. By 1919, Laberte had around 400 workers and was renamed “Laberte et Magnié” or “L.F.M.” after violin maker Fourier Magnié joined. The company acquired the acclaimed brand “A La Ville de Cremone” from Paul Mangenot in 1927.
The Mirecourt instrument-making industry declined in the mid-20th century, causing all three major firms to stop production in the 1960s. Laberte closed in 1969 after Philippe Laberte's death.