French-Italian violin with signature, Collegno (Torino)

This lovely 1930 violin is characterized by French and Italian stylistic elements and a colorful sound.

This violin was crafted in Collegno near Turin in 1930 and presents a few mysteries, and not only because of the difficult-to-read signature deeply hidden in its interior. Moments of French and Italian style and a distinctly beautiful, colorful and delicate sound characterize this unique piece of Piedmontese violin-making tradition with an interesting modern statement.

With its luminous orange-brown oil varnish, which highlights the wide-grained spruce top and the lively, soft flaming of the two-piece maple back, this violin reveals its proximity, if not its origin, to Northern Italian violin making; however, other details point clearly across the nearby border to France – particularly the carefully carved scroll, which may have been added later. It is conceivable that this violin was made in Turin by a French master who had trained or traveled in France and was familiar with Mirecourt, the traditional center of French violin making. Should the body of this cross-border commuter ever need to be opened, the name marked high up, just before the top block, may still be decipherable. As enigmatic as its provenance may be, the fine, nuanced, colorful sound of this instrument is clear and beautiful, making it the perfect choice for discerning amateur musicians who focus less on solo performance and more on sophisticated chamber music.

• Italian violin, Collegno near Turin, 1930
• Signed and dated by hand
• Interesting blend of French and Italian styles
• Exceptionally beautiful tone woods
• Delicate, colorful sound

The experts at our workshop for restoration have set up this excellently preserved violin and made it ready to play. We offer free shipping, a 30-day return policy and the Corilon trade-in guarantee. A certificate of appraisal can be ordered additionally.