Fritz Baumgartner, rare Swiss master violin, Basel 1920

Fritz Baumgartner (Basel) is one of the most influential figures in Swiss violin making. Initially trained as a watchmaker, he discovered the art of sound at an early age: from 1910 to 1912, he studied under August Meinel in Liestal (graduating with top marks), then worked for August and Paul Meinel, and around 1913 honed his craft with bow maker August Rau in Markneukirchen. In 1920, he opened his own workshop in Basel – the beginning of a tradition spanning three generations that continues to this day with the renowned stringed instrument expert Roland Baumgartner. In professional circles, the name Baumgartner has been synonymous with Swiss violin making for decades. With a precise hand, a fine ear and an innovative spirit – think of the electric rib bending iron invented by Fritz Baumgartner – Baumgartner created master instruments of the highest quality and set technical standards that brought his workshop international renown. He died on 13 February 1976 in Binningen and is remembered as one of Switzerland's most famous masters – a name that lives on in only about 160 surviving instruments and stands for craftsmanship, beautiful sound and continuity.

Fritz Baumgartner violin, Swiss master violin Brief portrait:

• perfectly preserved master instrument from 1920
• dated original label
• body length 35.5 cm
• bright orange-brown oil varnish on a golden ground
• crack-free condition
• large, warm sound with radiant sweetness in the upper registers