This page last updated 24th October 2011
FULL SIZE VIOLINS £300 - £499
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Labelled and branded 'Le Marquis De L'Air D'Oiseaux'. Probably early 20th
century, made in Mirecourt, France. Lightly flamed two-piece back, medium arching on a broadly
Stadivarius (and typically French) model, thin yellowish varnish shaded to brown in the centre.
Reasonable condition, no repairs but some scrapes and scratches. The sound is quite responsive with
a good range of tone, clear and bright but a little thin. Doesn't appear to be particularly loud,
but projects well. Vision strings.
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Labelled A.Salvator, Paris. Early 20th century Mirecourt violin, made by
J.Thibouville-Lamy & Cie. Lightly flamed two-piece back, lowish arching on a broadly Stadivarius
model, red varnish. Reasonable condition, no repairs but some chips and scratches. The sound is
responsive, a touch weak on the A (irrespective of soundpost position) and slightly hollow, but
nowhere shrill or nasal. Dominant strings
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Labelled 'Copy of Antonius Stradivarius Especially made in Germany' and with an Excelsior brand mark,
Undated but early 20th century. Two piece back with moderate flame, medium arching, golden brown varnish. Ugly repaired cracks
in the belly either side of the neck and the belly also has a lot of scratches and scrapes. The back and ribs are in better
condition . With Resonance strings it has a reasonable even sound, quite warm and full, maybe lacking a little 'zing' on the
middle strings. Moderately loud and seems to project well.
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Unlabelled, probably made in Germany circa 1900. Stamped 1342 on the button. One piece rather plain back,
medium arching, golden brown varnish. The belly has a lot of scratches and scrapes, but it is hard to see if there are any
repairs as there are several fake cracks as part of the 'antiqueing'. The back and ribs also show signs of this but are less
scratched. With Resonance strings it has a reasonable even sound, maybe lacking a little warmth but not harsh or thin. Moderately loud.
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Labelled 'Compagnon', French, early 20th century. One piece plain back,
medium arching, red varnish. Reasonable cosmetic condition, but the belly has had woodworm and there
are significant repairs because of this. With new Dominant strings the sound is fairly responsive and
even, bright and tending towards harsh. Quite loud and seems to project well. Priced to allow
for its condition.
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Violin by W.B. Horrocks, dated 1923. Two piece back with moderate flaming,
medium to high arching, golden varnish. Large repair to bass side of pegbox. The modelling of
the violin is somewhat idiosyncratic, and the maker was probably an amateur. It has a reasonable
sound, though a little harsh and light in the bass. Helicore strings. .
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Labelled 'Karl Bitterer, Geigenbaumeister, Mittenwald 1922'. Age and origin
are probably as per label, but this is a trade (factory) violin. Lightly flamed two piece back,
medium to low arching, dark golden brown varnish. A peg bushed to repair a small crack. The bass
bar may have been replaced. Varnish appears to have had a solvent splashed on it, and I have done
some work to ameliorate the effects. Tone warm and full, quite dark but slightly clouded on the
lower strings. Reasonable volume. Pro-Arte strings.
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Labelled 'The Maidstone John G Murdoch & Co. London' over an older label, German,
early 20th century. Two piece narrow flamed back, medium arching, brown varnish. Big repaired crack in
the pegbox, which has been revarnished, and the A peg is bushed to repair another small crack. The body
of the instrument has a number of nicks and scratches but no repairs. Strong clear tone, not particularly
warm, plenty of volume. Resonance strings.
This instrument was previously offered at a lower price 'as seen' on behalf of a customer. It has since had
some cosmetic work and a new bridge and strings, and now carries my normal guarantee.
No. 467 in my book. £425. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 228 in my book. £400. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 522 in my book. £Reserved. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 155 in my book. £375. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 458 in my book. £350. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 192 in my book. £340. To view the fiddle Click here
Number 478 in my book. £300. To view the fiddle Click here
No. 512 in my book. £300. To view the fiddle Click here
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