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Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830

This antique French violin with "A la ville de Cremone" stamp is decorated by a finely crafted lion head - a unique instrument that was built approx. 1820 as an outstanding example of instruments featuring this special ornament. This exceptional lion head is an especially well done carving in French craftsman tradition, it was probably made in Didier Nicolas l'Aine's workshop, and indicates...

This antique French violin with "A la ville de Cremone" stamp is decorated by a finely crafted lion head - a unique instrument that was built approx. 1820 as an outstanding example of instruments featuring this special ornament. This exceptional lion head is an especially well done carving in French craftsman tradition, it was probably made in Didier Nicolas l'Aine's workshop, and indicates the upscale quality of the violin. Its beautiful back was crafted in one piece of deeply flamed maple, as well as the ribs, a quality tonewood that is an interesting contrast to the medium grained spruce of the two-piece top. The red-brown varnish over a shimmering golden ground is quite typical for French violins, and its antique touches and slight traces of use match the antique appearance of the instrument perfectly. This rare French violin is crackfree and was worked over by our expert luthiers thoroughly and is offered ready to play, with a convincingly mature, clear and radiant sound.

Inventory no.
6775
Maker
Didier Nicolas Ainé
Provenance
Mirecourt
Year
circa 1830
Tone
mature, clear, radiant
Length of back
36.3 cm
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
Antique lion head violin, France, circa 1830
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