Unknown - 4/4 - - Violin - 1980

1. Introduction
An honest antique violin of full-size model from a Central European workshop, offered in original, untouched condition exactly as found. Its deeply shaded reddish-brown varnish, worn back to the wood where generations of players have handled it, gives the instrument a genuine old-world character. Supplied in its period wooden case, it is an attractive project for a player or restorer who wants an authentic old instrument to bring back to life.

2. Historical and Artistic Context
Around the turn of the twentieth century the workshops of Saxony and Bohemia - centred on Markneukirchen and Klingenthal - supplied violins to players, schools and dealers all over Europe. Built on classical Italian-inspired models with traditional methods, the better examples of this trade are valued today for their seasoned tonewoods and their mature, warm voice. This instrument belongs to that tradition.

3. Craftsmanship and Materials
The top is of spruce with a regular grain; the back is of maple, apparently cut from a single piece, with matching maple ribs. Top and back are purfled along the edges and the scroll is cleanly carved. The varnish is a warm reddish-brown, deliberately shaded darker at the centre and towards the edges in the antique manner. The violin is fitted with ebony pegs, an ebony fingerboard, an ebony tailpiece with two fine tuners, and an ebony chinrest.

4. Tonal Character and Playability
The instrument is offered unplayed and not set up: the bridge is present but not standing and the strings are slack. After a professional set-up - fitting and adjusting the bridge, checking the soundpost and fresh strings - an instrument of this type can be expected to give the warm, direct tone typical of well-seasoned Saxon workshop violins.

5. Condition
Original, untouched condition consistent with its age. The varnish on the table is heavily worn, particularly around the bridge, f-holes and under the chinrest, with scratches and small knocks on the lower bout. The edges and ribs show playing wear and a small area of edge damage near the end button. The back is in comparatively good order. No maker's label was observed, in keeping with the anonymous workshop origin of the instrument. A professional set-up is required before playing.

6. Details
Type: violin, full-size model (4/4), Central European (Saxon) workshop. Top: spruce. Back: maple, apparently one-piece. Ribs: maple. Fittings: ebony pegs, fingerboard, tailpiece with two fine tuners, and chinrest. Period: circa 1890-1920. Maker: unattributed workshop instrument.

7. Included
The violin is supplied with its period wooden case and a fitted ebony chinrest. Bridge and strings are present but the instrument is not set up.