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.
Léon Bernardel (1853–1931) was born in Paris, France. Bernardel studied violin making under his father, Ernest Auguste Bernardel. Early in his career, he worked with Derazey. He later joined his family’s renowned shop, Gand et Bernardel Frères. In 1899, Léon Bernardel established his firm and collaborated with his son, Léon (II). Bernardel’s violins are celebrated for their warm, rich tonal palette and outstanding projection. His innovative approach to violin construction addressed the instrument’s unique acoustic challenges. As a result, his violins are powerful and expressive, making them popular among both soloists and orchestral players.
Bernardel’s meticulous attention spanned from selecting premium tonewoods to refining the graceful contours and lustrous varnish of each instrument. Throughout his career, he crafted violins treasured by musicians and collectors for their artistry and exceptional playability. Léon Bernardel’s lasting influence continues to energise performers and inspire successive generations of luthiers, who aspire to emulate the craftsmanship and technical mastery exemplified in his legacy.
Price: POA. According to Eric Blot, this is a copy of Gaetano Pareschi's violins. This violin is a fine copy of the award-winning Italian luthier Gaetano Pareschi, whose working life spanned 50 years, from 1924 to 1974.
This is a Paul Jean- Baptiste Chipot Violin made in Paris in about 1942. Paul Jean Baptiste Chipot is a French luthier the son of Chipot-Vuillaume. He worked in many workshops in Mirecourt then moved to Vendome to start his own workshop.
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.
POA This violin, attributed to Anselmo Bellosio (1743-1793) in Venice, was acquired by Animato Strings and features previous repairs, including a new bass bar installed by A. Eisenstein in New York, as noted in a 1944 magazine clip. After cleaning and minor seam repairs, it produces a rich, full sound and is available for sale. Born into a family of organ makers, Bellosio began crafting violins around 1770 and took over Giorgio Serafin’s workshop in 1777. This particular instrument, dated 1768, reflects his early craftsmanship and notable deep tone, marking him as a significant figure in the 18th-century Venetian violin-making tradition before his passing at 50.
This is the Konrad Kohlert Violin. Konrad Kohlert's violins, violas and cellos have been produced in his workshop since 1987, and are valued worldwide for their sound and craftsmanship.
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.
This is the Gliga Vasile with Lion Head Scroll 4/4 Violin (Instrument Only) Supplied with certificate of authenticity, including photographs, date, measurements, materials with the stamp and signature of the maker, Vasile Gliga.