Mirecourt: violin by G. Jamies & G. Meyer in 1929, No. 33

This French violin is an instrument with a brilliantly beautiful and resonant sound. Crafted in 1929, it appears never to have been played, making it a true rarity in practically new condition. It serves as a fresh representation of the style which shaped the rich traditions of the violin-making town Mirecourt in the 1920s and 30s, offering a window into its history. More specifically, it gives us a look at the highly interesting atelier of Gabriel Jamis and Gaston Meyer, who became friends as students of the influential master George Apparut. This particular instrument is labeled opus 33, and its provenance from the Jamis-Meyer workshop is confirmed by a numbered brand mark inside the body. Its inspiration came from a model by Charles J. B. Collin-Mézin (Mézin fils) which had a significant effect on the region's contemporary violin making. The flawless spirit-oil varnish creates dramatic highlights which flatter the lustre and typical Mirecourt interplay of the deep golden, orange and brown flames of the two-piece maple back. With this instrument, Gabriel Jamis and Gaston Meyer honoured the traditions of their artistic home, although doing so certainly did not prevent them from giving the violin fine details with a strong expressive personality such as the interestingly shaped scroll. After having been thoroughly set up at our specialist atelier, it has now been made ready to play. We strongly recommend this French violin, which was crafted with the greatest care, and it has earned this special mention for many reasons, including its outstanding musical properties and its voice, which is dark in the lower registers and has a brightness and pleasant warmth in higher notes.

Related instruments:

• French violin by Jean Striebig
• Violin by Léon Victor Mougenot, 1912
• Leon Bernardel, fine French violin, 1935
• Mirecourt violin by Paul Hilaire, 1959