Southern German violin from the Widhalm school

A fine stringed instrument with a sophisticated, clear and dark sound, this historic violin represents one of the finest German traditions in violin making. It was crafted around 1810 in southern Germany and, according to the label inside the body, it can probably be attributed to Leopold Widhalm’s influential Nuremberg workshop. The work of Jakob Stainer served as an integral source of inspiration in the highly distinctive style found amongst this line of luthiers, which ranged from Leopold Widhalm back to his teacher Sebastian Schelle and Schelle’s predecessor Matthias Hummel – all excellent masters of international ranking. After Widhalm’s death, his sons Gallus Ignatius Widhalm and Martin Leopold Widhalm continued to work at their father’s atelier and labeled their own works with Leopold’s name, a mark of quality that enjoys a world-class reputation to this day. The violin we offer here has outstanding musical properties which earn it a place in this significant context; it has been kept in rare quality, with only a minor repair at the right sound hole. Its neck and beautifully carved scroll are originals, which is not at all to be taken for granted in an instrument of such an advanced age. Out of respect for the historical material, we preserved the remaining varnish on the top and scroll along with the larger areas which were later touched up extensively. The one-piece back is a magnificent work of premium tone wood, featuring a subtly reserved aesthetic, and its fine features are evident in the violin’s mature and silvery sound. The violin is warmly recommended to demanding musicians as a rare instrument with an unmistakable personality full of character. At our atelier for restoration, our expert luthiers took the greatest care in setting it up and making it ready to play.