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Charles Ervin Violins, Inc. Maker and Restorer of Fine Stringed Instruments |
Charles Ervin Violins, Inc.
Maker and Restorer of Fine Stringed Instruments
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Another Mighty Venetian
Dominico Montagnana was among the greatest masters of his craft and the leading member of the violinmaking fraternity in Venice. Peter Guarneri, one of whose early violins is illustrated on our web page, became Montagnana's colleague and possibly his assistant upon Peter's arrival in Venice. We are proud to offer for sale a superb example of Montagnana's craft, a grand pattern violin made about 1721. Montagnana made his violins in two sizes, the larger and more valuable grand pattern being 14 inches or a small fraction over. The other model is around 13 ¾ inches in body length. This instrument measures 14 1/16" in length, with 6 ½" upper bouts and 7 15/16" lower bouts. The belly is of an especially lustrous spruce with strong medium-width winter grain. The one-piece back has enormous charm, its even, lively flame ascending from right to left. The reddish-brown varnish shimmers over the surface of the instrument, casting fire into the depths of the wood. The scroll has been called "a fine bold piece of carving" by the author of a monograph on this instrument appearing in The Strad magazine in December, l967. Like the fiery appearance of the violin, the tone is equally radiant and bold, its concert artist owners having mesmerized audiences with it since its introduction to the United States. This violin will always have a place of honor in the finest collection or the most prestigious concert hall. Foremost among the impressive documents certifying this violin's authenticity is a great rarity: a signed certificate by William Ebsworth Hill, founder of the modern world's premier violin dealership, W. E. Hill & Sons of London. This certificate, a collectible in itself, was issued in 1882. A second Hill letter confirms the founder's certificate. Further certificates are by Kenneth Warren & Son, Chicago, and Hans Weisshaar, Hollywood. Jacques Francais has written an appraisal letter for this instrument, while Charles Beare of J. & A. Beare of London and Robert Bein of Bein & Fushi, Chicago have also given verbal confirmation of the authenticity of the violin. Additional Views: Front Close Up (39KB) |
P.O. Box 1743 | Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557-1743
Email crervin@ervinviolins.net
Studio/Workshops in Austin, Texas and Taos, New Mexico
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