1777 English violin by Charles & Samuel Thompson

In 1777, Charles and Samuel Thompson made this typically English violin in their atelier “At the Sign of the Bass Violin” in St. Paul's Churchyard, London. The instrument is based on a Jacob Stainer model which had a profound influence on the styles of English violin making in the 18th century: it has a conspicuously wide arch along the central section of the top and back as well as characteristic sound holes. The drawn-on purfling is a detail that is very typical for violins of this period and heritage. The attractive flamed maple back and charming patina of the varnish indicate the top-quality craftsmanship, while the sophisticated, nuanced sound is evenly balanced across all of the strings — bright, warm and very rich in overtones, with a somewhat sweet character and a gentle response. This violin is in excellent condition for its age and has had only a few and very insignificant repairs. It was looked over by our luthier and is ready to play, perfectly suitable for baroque music.