Mittenwald lion head violin, 19th century, circa 1850

A mid19th century German violin with a lion head. It is a typical German Mittenwald violin that was made around 1850 on the Stainer model, as indicated by a Mittenwald model label. The scroll is a thoroughly carved lion head, made by Martin Kriner. The eyes, the eyebrows, the wavy hair and the tongue of the lion are beautifully and carefully carved. The thinly applied varnish is of a dark orange-brown color applied on a lighter ground, it is nicely patinated. The small soundholes are delicately cut. This interesting lion head violin is well preserved and in very good, undamaged condition. Like all instruments from Corilon violins, it has been thoroughly worked over by the luthiers in our atelier. The sound is warm and bright with a sweet note to it.