Fine violin by Claude Pierray, 1715

Claude Pierray († 1729) was one of the best masters of the Old School of Paris and influenced its important tradition with instruments that set standards. The exceptionally well-preserved and beautifully sounding violin from 1715 offered here is also a historical instrument of lasting value for professional musicians.

In view of the few surviving dates of his life, a biographical classification of any Claude Pierray violin is always subject to certain reservations, but the exceptionally high quality of this violin and the mature style of its model, which is based on the Amati school, reveal a master who had excellent training and a wealth of experience as a craftsman at the time of its creation. For the one-piece back, he chose beautifully flamed maple, a first-class tonewood of rare splendor, which is finished with a highly transparent, luminous golden-brown varnish with fine red tones. We acquired this historical violin in perfect condition and without any significant repairs from a professional musician who held it in the highest esteem for its clear and mature, large sound with a velvety-soft, upward-opening character. Well-rounded and radiant in the trebles, warm and with a soft note, it is recommended for demanding, professional interpretations. Carefully checked and set up ready to play by our experts, this top instrument represents a stable investment; a certificate from the renowned expert Hieronymus Köstler and the original label from Claude Pierray in the body are proof of its authenticity. We deliver free of shipping costs with a 30-day return policy.

• Claude Pierray, violin 1715
• Perfectly preserved historical instrument of the old Parisian school
• First-class sound for professional use
• Original label and certificate from H. Köstler
• Stable investment

Important Notice for International Buyers:
Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from customs duties. No customs fees apply for shipments to the UK and all other countries.

The Hill family of luthiers in London became world-famous through the epoch-making work of W. E. Hill & Sons. This antique English violin from around 1800 sheds light on the immediate history of its founding by William Ebsworth Hill, who was able to build on a centuries-long family tradition of craftsmanship.

In view of the fine craftsmanship and musical merits of this violin, Lockey Hill, one of the most talented and successful masters of this violin-making family, which dates back to the 17th century, comes to mind first when considering its maker. In the context of his work biography, this instrument would be a work from his middle work phase, which nevertheless reveals a masterful hand and a sure feel for aesthetics and acoustics. The rarely beautiful flaming of the one-piece maple back is effectively staged; the excellent vibrational properties of the medium to wide-grained spruce top unfold their full potential thanks to the perfectly crafted arching - and the purfling, which extends far into the corners, as well as the characterfully engraved scroll testify to the extraordinary skills of its creator. With a few restorations, which, like the repair of some old worm marks, are not surprising for antique instruments of this age, this historically highly interesting Hill violin is in excellent condition. Checked and set up ready to play by our experts, it has all the beauty and unique individuality of its mature, very individual, warm, singing sound.

• English violin, around 1800
• Hill family - forerunners of W. E. Hill & Sons
• First-class tonewoods
• Singing, warm sound

Important Notice for International Buyers:
Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from customs duties. No customs fees apply for shipments to the USA and all other countries.