Fine antique French violin, Louis Moitessier, circa 1830 (certificate by Hieronymus Köstler)

This French violin from the late oeuvre of the influential Mirecourt master violin maker Louis Moitessier was crafted in approximately 1830, and it highlights the full spectrum of his refined artisanry. An aesthetic and wonderful-sounding instrument with a design that is typical for its region; can be especially recommended to adult musicians with larger hands - and that has revealed a very personal secret in our workshop.

Crafted by Louis Moitessier around 1830, this magnificent old 19th-century French violin represents the late oeuvre of a productive master who influenced French violin making in his day, in no small part through the excellent students he trained. Typical of instruments from Mirecourt, this violin has slightly larger dimensions, which means this French violin is especially well-suited for adult musicians with larger hands. A lovely light golden-brown varnish with a gentle patina highlights the tone woods which were selected with confidence and feature compelling acoustic and aesthetic properties. Moitessier chose a fine to moderately grained spruce for the top, and it gives the instrument an elegant and dynamic character, whereas the outstanding-quality maple used for the one-piece back has rare extremely tight flames and bears his original mark. Cleanly carved purfling and the button ornamented with an ebony crown both elevate this instrument into the category of Moitessier’s most carefully crafted violins; it has been kept in truly good condition and is undamaged and free of cracks. Our luthier set up this violin and made it ready to play. Its large, dark sound is warm, rich and mature. In the process we discovered a handwritten note by the master on the inside of the back: "Fait Specialement pour L'anniversaire de Ma Femme 1820". Whether he gave the instrument to his second wife, Thérèse Elisabeth née Calot, or merely dedicated it, however, must remain open.