Fine & Professional Level Violins
$20,000 - $50,000
Choose a price range: Up to $10,000 $10,000 - $20,000 $20,000 - $50,000
$50,000 - $200,000 Fine, Rare Italian Instruments
$50,000 - $200,000 Fine, Rare Italian Instruments
We carry a selection of fine antique and contemporary Italian, French, English, German and American instruments
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Paul Bailly, Paris 1875
Featured Instrument Paul Bailly (b.1844, d.1907) was one of the many makers of his time to come from Mirecourt, however, his work is elevated far above the average. He worked for Nicolas François Vuillaume and later relocated to Paris where he worked for his brother, the legendary Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. After J.B. Vuillaume's death in 1875, Bailly began to travel, working primarily in the United States and in England. By the turn of the century, he was again fixed in Paris. His daughter, Jenny, inherited his shop and is known as one of the very few female luthiers of her era. Paul Bailly had a large output of consistently fine violins which are typically built on a Stradivari model. They display wonderful materials, varnish and craftsmanship. His work has garnered many awards and we have found examples such as this which are tonally superior to many a Vuillaume making Bailly's instruments very attractive for players looking to acquire an instrument with the many of the qualities of a Vuillaume at a more affordable price. This Violin has a mature, bright and powerful tone with a good deal of flexibility and sweetness as well as some guts in the lower register. Available Now |
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Émile Germain, Montmarte 1898
Featured Instrument Emile Germaine (b. 1853, d. 1933) was born in Paris but like many of the fine makers of his time, trained in Mirecourt. He took over his father's shop in 1870 and won a medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1900. This instrument displays first-class materials and a rich dark-red varnish. Its tone is deep, rich and mature with plenty of muscularity to carry it through the hall. This instrument would be perfect for a professional violinist looking for a versatile companion. Available Now |
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Nestor Audinot, Paris 1889
Featured Instrument Nestor Dominique Audinot (b.1842, d.1920) took over the Paris shop of his colleague, Sebastian Vuillaume, in 1875. Audinot’s violins are known for their exceptionally beautiful materials and varnish. This example is one of the most attractive we have ever seen with an outstanding back of tri-color flame and lustrous varnish. Audinot found great success after taking over the Vuillaume shops after both Sebastien and Jean-Baptisite Vuillaume died in 1875. Later Vuillaume-shop instruments are thought to have been made in part or in whole by Audinot. Examples such as this are sought out by top-level conservatory students, professionals and collectors alike. Not Currently Available |
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A Franco-Italian Violin by Alberto Blanchi, Nice 1932.
Featured Instrument Alberto Blanchi (b.1871, d.1948) was an Italian maker whose highly original work became suffused with both Italian and French conceptions. His modelling is on an original form. His sound holes possess the gracefulness of the old Italian masters and the wood and varnish are spectacular. He is especially well known for his beautifully elegant and deeply cut scrolls. This example features a beautiful craquelure in the supple varnish. The tone quality of this instrument is bright and powerful. This violin has been owned by an important member of a major symphony orchestra for many years. Available Now |
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Pierre Gaggini, Nice 1934
Featured Instrument Pierre Gaggini (b.July19, 1903, d. October 31, 2005) was the nephew of the famed Franco-Italian maker, Alberto Blanchi, for whom he worked apprenticed and worked until 1934 with exception to the three years he spent fulfilling his military service in Paris from 1924 to 1927. During this time, he also made violins for Louis Billotet. His models are typically in the style of Blanchi until the early 1940's when he developed a personal model which he largely devoted the remainder of his career to. His label bares the motto, "Nicæa civitas" a contraction of "Nicæa civitas fidelissima" or "Nice, the very loyal city" referring to Nice's loyalty to the House of Savoy after the city was ceded to France by Italy as compensation for France's assistance in Italy's Second War for Independence against Austria. This violin features a beautiful honey-colored varnish, exemplary craftsmanship throughout and a truly stunning one-of-kind one-piece back with some Birdseye figuration. Its tone is powerful, complex, rich, warm and broad. It is unique among Gaggini's work and a violin unlike any other. Available Now |
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Leopold Widhalm, Nürnberg c.1775
Featured Instrument The Widhalm family produced very fine instruments influenced largely by Stainer, blending some characteristics of the Amatis at times and infusing their own creative energy. Leopold Widhalm (b.1722, d.1776) is considered the finest maker of this dynasty. This instrument displays Widhalm’s beautifully shaped f-holes, gracefully elongated corners and gorgeous varnish with a golden-honey colored ground similar to the great Italians. The tone is very mature, powerful, and bright. We sold this instrument to a member of a major symphony orchestra many years ago. The owner has since retired from the orchestra and we are pleased to offer it once more. More Information & photos coming soon... Available Now |
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Peter Paul Prier, Salt Lake City, 1970
Featured Instrument Peter Paul Prier (b.1942, d.2015) was an extremely influential violinmaker in the United States. A German immigrant who studied at the violinmaking school in Mittenwald, he founded the “Violinmaking School of America” in Salt Lake City in the early 1970s where he handled many great Italian masterworks. Most of todays’ American makers (and many dealers) have studied with Prier including the renowned Samuel Zygumutowicz and our own Charles Liu. The late Joseph Silverstein stated that Prier’s work was “the gold standard” in the US and throughout the world. Although many instruments from the violin making school bear his name on the label, this violin was made personally by Peter Prier. It boasts lovely materials, beautiful translucent varnish on a golden ground and has extraordinary workmanship. It is also imbued with some personality. Many professional violinists use his instruments today and this Guarneri del Gesu model would be best suited to an active performer looking for a slightly compact instrument with a big sound. Its tone is robust is very robust and direct and it plays very comfortably. Available Now |
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Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin père, Paris 1885
Featured Instrument Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin père (b.1841, d.1924) was one of the preeminent luthiers of his time. He won gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions in 1878, 1889, and 1900 and was named, “Officier de l’Académie des Beaux-Arts”. Among those who praised his work were Brahms collaborator Joseph Joachim and Paganini’s sole disciple Ernesto Camillo Sivori. This instrument is in extremely pristine condition for its age and reflects the maker’s meticulous workmanship and lovely choice of materials and varnish. It has a bold, bright and powerful sound with quick response. It is being offered for sale for the first time in more than six decades. We have handled countless instruments by this esteemed maker but this is certainly among the finest. Available Now |
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Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin père, Paris 1890
Featured Instrument Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin père (b.1841, d.1924) was one of the preeminent luthiers of his time. He won gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions in 1878, 1889, and 1900 and was named, “Officier de l’Académie des Beaux-Arts”. Among those who praised his work were Brahms collaborator Joseph Joachim and Paganini’s sole disciple Ernesto Camillo Sivori. This instrument is in spectacular condition but as it an excellent player and was therefore used extensively, it shows more cosmetic wear. Its tone is mellower than our 1885 Collin-Mézin père. It has a sweet and smooth sound with warm and complex overtones that are sure to delight the player. It is a truly wonderful example of this prestigious maker's work on par with our other example. Available Now |
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Klotz family, Mittenwald, c.1790
The Klotz family was among the most important of violin makers in the 18th century, blending the Tyrolean traditions of Stainer with Italian training. Mozart himself played on a Klotz violin, and for a time they were regarded alongside or even above those of their Italian contemporaries. In recent years, it has become apparent that many of their instruments were haphazardly labeled and bear the name of a different member of the family than made the instrument. In many cases, it is difficult or impossible to determine the true maker, speaking to the consistency in quality between the many members of the illustrious family. We suspect the work of Johann Carl Klotz in this instrument. Available Now |
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Alberto Vaccari, Italy, 1978
Fine modern Italian violin.
SOLD
Fine modern Italian violin.
SOLD
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Charles Jean Baptiste Collin-Mezin, France, 1896
"Born at Mirecourt, 1841. First apprenticed to his father; removed to Paris, 1868. Commenced to make his own instruments, which in all details other than the varnish, follow the larger models of Stradivarius, Guarnerius and Amati. Awarded gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900. Died 1923." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) SOLD |
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Johann Kulik, Prague, 1869
Johann Kulik
"Born 1800. Formal and definite transepts of Italian models. Scroll most beautifully traversed easily surpassing those of other Bohemians. Unerring hand in workmanship, perfect neatness everywhere, magnificent wood." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Alberto Blanchi, Nice, 1871
Born in Nice in 1871, Gold medals at Milan and London. The tone of his instruments were described as particularly clear, and very much appreciated by the various fine players belonging to the magnificent orchestras at Nice and Monte Carlo.
SOLD
Born in Nice in 1871, Gold medals at Milan and London. The tone of his instruments were described as particularly clear, and very much appreciated by the various fine players belonging to the magnificent orchestras at Nice and Monte Carlo.
SOLD
Honore Derazey, France, 1855
"Born at Mirecourt, 1794. Gained Exhibition medals at Paris 1839, 1844, and 1855; also at London, 1862. Enthusiasm of an ardent young man striving towards individuality plainly discernible on every instrument of this early period. The particular point of interest in these violins is artistic combination of the sound-holes with the waist curves; beautiful originality quite distinct from others of the Mirecourt school." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Honore Derazey, France, c. 1860
H. Derazey
"Born at Mirecourt, 1794. Gained Exhibition medals at Paris 1839, 1844, and 1855; also at London, 1862. Enthusiasm of an ardent young man striving towards individuality plainly discernible on every instrument of this early period. The particular point of interest in these violins is artistic combination of the sound-holes with the waist curves; beautiful originality quite distinct from others of the Mirecourt school." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Mario Gadda Shop, Italy, 1986
Mario Gadda
Shop
Shop
Son of Gaetano Gadda. A true master of violin making. This violin is very high quality, and in our opinion is made by the Gadda shop.
SOLD
Paul Bailly, France, 1880
Paul Bailly
"Born at Mirecourt, 1844. Pupil of Jules Galliard and J.B. Vuillaume. Worked in Lille, Douai, Mirecourt, Paris, Brussels, Reims, London, Leeds, and briefly in America. Particularly expert copyist of the Italians from Maggini to Guarnerius; also built many replicas of the Vuillaume style, made from Swiss chalet pine, 200 years old." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Paul Bailly, France, 1900
Paul Bailly
"Born at Mirecourt, 1844. Pupil of Jules Galliard and J.B. Vuillaume. Worked in Lille, Douai, Mirecourt, Paris, Brussels, Reims, London, Leeds, and briefly in America. Particularly expert copyist of the Italians from Maggini to Guarnerius; also built many replicas of the Vuillaume style, made from Swiss chalet pine, 200 years old." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Pier Angelo Balzarini, Italy, 1984
Pier Angelo
Balzarini
Balzarini
Contemporary modern Italian maker. High reputation and excellent quality instruments.
SOLD
Gustave Bernardel, France, 1892
Gustave
Bernardel
Bernardel
Son of Auguste Sebastien Philippe Bernardel and brother of Ernest Auguste Bernardel. "Born at Paris, 1832. Died 1904. Associated with father, brother and Gand. Succeeded to the business of Gand, 1892, and became maker to the Conservatoire, to the opera orchestras, and to the Ministry of fine arts. Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, 1900. Fine-wrought Lupot-Strad modelling. Supremely neat workmanship. Red varnish similar to that used by father, also a red with brownish tint. The talent which his instruments proclaim ought to be widely recognised and the area of his fame extended, for he truly maintained the prestige set up by his parent. Tone very invigorating and sonorous." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
SOLD
Paul Blanchard, France, 1901
Paul Blanchard
"Born at Mirecourt, 1851. A keenly interested worker, only satisfied with the best he could accomplish, and having all the requisite knowledge regarding the practical construction of an ever-improving instrument." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Giuseppe Castagnino, Italy, 1948
Giuseppe
Castagnino
Castagnino
"Born 1883. Pupil of Fiorini. Established at Chiavari (Genoa) 1910. Won medals at Milan and Turin. Strad and Guarnerian models - splendid workmanship and especially attractive varnish." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) This violin is professional level. It is rich and dark, but bright and beautiful. A VERY good violin.
SOLD
SOLD
Ch. J.B. Collin-Mezin, France, 1911
Collin-Mezin
"Born at Mirecourt, 1841. First apprenticed to his father; removed to Paris, 1868. Commenced to make his own instruments, which in all details other than the varnish, follow the larger models of Stradivarius, Guarnerius and Amati. Awarded gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900. Died 1923." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Ch. J.B. Colin-Mezin, France, 1919
Collin-Mezin
"Born at Mirecourt, 1841. First apprenticed to his father; removed to Paris, 1868. Commenced to make his own instruments, which in all details other than the varnish, follow the larger models of Stradivarius, Guarnerius and Amati. Awarded gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900. Died 1923." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) Violin has a nice weight and balance; overall a very good instrument.
SOLD
Ch. J.B. Colin-Mezin, France, 1928
Collin-Mezin
"Born at Mirecourt, 1841. First apprenticed to his father; removed to Paris, 1868. Commenced to make his own instruments, which in all details other than the varnish, follow the larger models of Stradivarius, Guarnerius and Amati. Awarded gold and silver medals at the Paris Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) Instrument set up by Ch. J.B. Collin-Mezin Jr. after the death of Ch. J.B. Collin-Mezin Sr.
SOLD
Honore Derazey, France, 1855
H. Derazey
"Born at Mirecourt, 1794. Gained Exhibition medals at Paris 1839, 1844, and 1855; also at London, 1862. Enthusiasm of an ardent young man striving towards individuality plainly discernible on every instrument of this early period. The particular point of interest in these violins is artistic combination of the sound-holes with the waist curves; beautiful originality quite distinct from others of the Mirecourt school." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Joseph Klotz, Germany, 1796
Joseph Klotz
"Born 1743. One of the cleverest of this family, but work unaccountable unequal; and we can only assume that he especially intended to produce two classes of work. Carefully chosen wood and treated with consideration." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Claude Augustin Miremont, France, 1875
C.A. Miremont
"Worked for Collin-Mezin at Mirecourt. Employed by Lafleur and Bernardel at Paris. Remarkable accuracy of detail prevails in all his numerous instruments on no little point in workmanship can be placed the slightest condemnatory mark. Such honest distinctiveness affords pleasant reflections to dwell upon and the verdict of the future will add further approbation. Each instrument made entirely with own hands, thus showing that his mind had that interior apartment of pride in personal completeness, disdaining the customary commercial procedure of his many contemporaries in having several workmen to assist in rapid production. Claimed that the tonal quality was superior to any other of his day. Most people as a rule are not prone to believe in a man being his own trumpeter, for he is only succumbing to the temptation of vanity indulgence but in Miremont's case he seems to have had every justification for the outspoken and apparently conscientious opinion of his instruments, since at this day we realise that the tone is of such a carrying power and fast developing quality as not to be easily dismissed from the memory." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
SOLD
Natale Novelli, Italy, 1968
Natale Novelli
"Born 1908. Pupil of Pedrazzini. Worked at Milan. Strad Modelling, flawless workmanship." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Ernesto Pevere, Italy, 1928
Ernesto Pevere
"Born 1891. Pupil of Soffriti. Resident at Ferrara. Produced (from 1920 to 1891) 400 violins, 10 violas and 20 cellos. Cremonese modelling, flawless workmanship, and golden yellow or golden brown varnish." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) This violin possesses a full, deep, rich tone like only fine Italian instruments can. This violin is in excellent condition.
SOLD
Giuseppe Saretta, Italy, 1946
Giuseppe Saretta
"Sculptor and inlay designer. Studied violin making with Carlo Oddone." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers)
SOLD
Guiseppe Stefanini, Italy, 1957
Giuseppe
Stefanini
Stefanini
"Born 1908. Pupil of Vistoli. Resident at Lugo di Romagna. Individualistic modelling, reddish yellow spirit varnish until 1950; then oil varnish of own formula." (Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers) Leandro Bisiach model.
SOLD