Violin by Leopold Mitsching, a Guarnerius copy

This beautiful violin was built between 1920 and 1930 in the atelier of Leopold Mitsching in Elberfeld and is one of a very few violins of this provenance in existence. Mitsching was born in Düsseldorf in 1865 and began his career as a maker of instruments by repairing stringed instruments. In 1894 he began making instruments for military bands, with great success. At around 1920 he turned his attention back to violin making, and his instruments found much acclaim. However, the bulk of his work continued to be in military music. Therefore, Mitsching violins are true rarities — which is regrettable considering the flawless workmanship, visual aesthetics and good sound of the violin we offer here. This fine instrument was patterned after a Guarnerius model. It is delicately built and features masterfully shaped high arching towards the centre of the top and back as well as subtle fluting. The well-selected, attractive tonewoods were given a transparent, luminous orange-brown varnish that brings out the exceptionally deep flaming of the maple back to great effect. The neatly carved scroll has an elegant swirl. We offer this rare, quality instrument, which has been thoroughly gone over by our luthier, in ready-to-play condition and recommend it for its strong, bright sound that is rich in overtones, clear and powerful.