1/2 - Rare half-sized Mittenwald violin

This fine half-sized violin for children was crafted around 1850 in the traditional Bavarian violin-making town of Mittenwald, probably at the highly-respected ateliers of Neuner and Hornsteiner, one of the most influential instrument makers of its day. The delicate carving of the small, beautifully shaped scroll and the narrow, elegant sound holes are good examples of the high artisanal standards held by the luthiers who worked for Neuner and Hornsteiner, a company which also dedicated the same attention to detail and painstaking approach to its student instruments. The darkened and thickly applied coat of deep red varnish is characteristic for Mittenwald, and this instrument has the heavy patina and traces of use that are often found on a historic violin which was played gladly and frequently. Correspondingly, a few minor repairs have been performed at the button, ribs and top, all of which do not impact the sound whatsoever, nor do they have any effect on the very good condition of this instrument. It is an outstanding piece with a quality that is seldom seen in student violins, and its large, clear, radiant sound is compelling — mature, resonant and full of soloist character. After having been meticulously worked over by the specialists in our atelier, this violin is specially recommended for talented young people.