Petrus Guarnerius Fine Workshop Violin circa 1870-1890 Old German/Bohemian Gem!

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We have a gorgeous old German violin with a Guarnerius label. The instrument is slightly long in its modeling, with beautiful oil varnish color and purposeful patina and antiquing. The woods are simple in maple specie but highly flamed in a medium width curl. The top plate has an extremely fine grain that is choice. There are marks on the top and back plate that are intentionally done to give an older appeal. The violin is not a Guarneri model in its classic sense. This maker was a good copyist and developed this violin with a character look to the instrument. The f holes are wider and slightly overdone, not in the length but in the wings. The violin has a neck graft, bushing on all four pegs, and an ebony crown. The scroll is petite and in very good condition. We went over the entire violin and completed new fittings for the instrument in rosewood. The instrument was imported into America to a New York City firm in the late 1800’s. I found all sorts of Gemunder, Wurlitzer, a few Jacques Francais, and two Shropshire bridges in the old wood case this violin came in. The bows found in the case were all German sticks well past value to restore, but the violin – wow! This is a fine violin even with a nondescript label. The instrument has a one piece back and contains ebony pins at the blocks. The oil varnish is golden amber/brown color all on an amber ground with much antique work.

Corpus 359.0 mm., Major Width 202.5 mm., 166.0 mm., Rib Height 29.0 mm.

It’s not just the look of the violin that is cool and so different, it’s the subtle lines and response off the strings that make me sit up and notice this instrument. The violin has a sound found in violins priced over 8K. The sound is warm, full, and mature. The violin is very responsive and darker in character, not a bright sound. The G & D strings are powerful and have a little bit of guts. I enjoy that quality. This sound is distinctive and gorgeous on the bass end but it doesn’t overpower the treble voices. The entire instrument rings with power, which helps drive the overtones. The treble side is sweet, clear, and rings very well. This violin has plenty of power to carry in a hall and help lead a section in an orchestra. This is an instrument a serious player needs to check out. A sleeper for sure, sounds great but brings a lower price because of no known maker. This 100-year-old plus violin will make a great violin for a music major and/or conservatory player looking for a different sound.