Beautiful antique hand made violin, made in Germany year circa 1850, in the style and measurements of the great Italian Master Antonio Stradivari.  Beautifully restored and set up to perfect playing condition with new ebony pegs, Larsen Tzigane strings, Despiau bridge, 'Pusch' ebony tailpiece, and an ebony chin rest.  A beautiful, warm and colourful tone.

The two-piece inaid decorated back has a beautiful design and is made from beautiful flamed maple. This violin has an exceptionally beautiful sound, with a clear and resonant voice which has matured as the violin has aged. Beautiful tonewoods shape the identity of this instrument, which has been carefully restored by Phil Whitehead and we offer it to you in superb condition.

This type of Antique German violin was usually made in a small workshop by a team of craftsmen, each carefully hand carving the different violin parts, and then other workers assembling and varnishing.  Most of these "trade violins" (instruments made in a group workshop setting to be exported and sold by those in the trade of selling violins), were primarily made from the mid 1800's - 1930's.  These instruments were mostly made in Germany, Czechoslovakia or France, but some other countries also produced instruments. 

The vast majority of Trade Instruments were simply labeled with a facsimile (copied) label of a famous maker like Stradivari, Amati, Guarneri and many others. It has been estimated that over 5 million of these "trade instruments" were made during this time period.

You are welcome to visit 'The String Workshop' in Mairangi Bay and "Try before you buy".