It is autumn here in New Hampshire, a time of great beauty, wonderfully warm days and chilly nights. The leaves have begun to fall and their colors are brilliant and exciting. I have tried to share a bit of the colorful foliage and the beauty of the season in my photographs. I hope it doesn't distract from the subject matter and you enjoy it.
This very old and interesting antique violin is offered to the highest bidder with no reserve.
The violin bears the label of Matteo Gofriller and it would be nice if I could say it was by him, but I can't. I have no idea who made it, or where it was made. I do know that it was made sometime in the 18th century, possibly the early part. I also know that this violin was not commercially produced and it was made by the hand of a master maker. Other than that your guess is as good as mine. It could be German, and if it is, it is likely from Mittenwald or that region. There are some characteristics that can be attributed to that school. Or, it could be Austrian or Tyrolean as it also has some things about it found in violins of those schools. But it isn't clear to me and I would be happy to hear opinions.
The violin has a wonderful glowing patina and a old oil varnish. It appears to be entirely original. It has a later, transitional neck and the original scroll grafted onto it. The "modernization" was likely done in the mid-19th century to alter the violin to current standards. The neck angle was left a bit lower than normal and there is a lower than normal bridge. The string heights are to specifications but a good luthier could reset the neck and make a taller bridge which would result in a much more powerful sound. There have been many repairs, too many to mention and probably more than can be seen. However the violin has been checked out, the repairs are old and solid and the violin is well set up and ready to play.
This is a really fine piece of work and a splendid treasure that has proudly endured the tests and ravages of time. One of the attributes that make it particularly interesting is the inclusion of a small knot on the treble side c-bout. This is a somewhat common attribute found on old Neapolitan, Milanese, and Cremonese Italian violins. Rather than waste a fine piece of tone wood, the knot was worked into the violin by the maker. It made for a bit more work, as any woodcarver knows, but the result is always a handcrafted thing with a unique character.
This violin has a warm, clean, and mellow tone, with the rounded, velvety sound that only age can impart. I found the violin to be delightfully easy to play, forgiving and friendly with a great response to vibrato and wonderful chiming elements to the prominent overtones. It is resonant, soft and mature with robust projection and very admirable sustain. The violin has good, beefy volume, and responds with a clean pure sound whether played with a light or heavy bow. When played in tune, each note blooms delightfully with full, rich, resonant overtones. The tone has elegance, sophistication and finesse. This is not a bright, intensely penetrating or strident sound, nor is it going to make your ears ring. It is a delicate and intimate sound, dark, smooth and loaded with subtlety and nuance. The violin's strength is in the beauty and grace of its sound, the harmonics and colorful, chiming overtones. It is well-suited for smaller venues, but surprisingly capable for huge halls. This is a superb old instrument with the refinement and class found only in the best violins of the 18th century.
Please look over the photos carefully and feel welcome to ask questions. I have tried to present photos that are representative and revealing.
The starting bid is $49 and there is no reserve! I sell all of my violins on eBay this way. Every violin will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price. This is a very good violin that I know will be properly appreciated by knowledgeable buyers.
This violin carries a full 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you win it and don't like it for any reason, you can return it for a full refund excluding my shipping charge. If the violin just isn't for you, simply let me know within 14 days. No refunds will be considered beyond 30 days from the end of the auction.
This is a full-sized violin. The back measures 13 15/16 inches or 353 mm.
If you have been looking for very old, high quality violin, you will not find a better violin at a better price. This is a wonderful old violin loaded with character and patina. Where else can you find a very good and authentically ancient violin at auction prices with a money back guarantee?
Please check my feedback and bid with confidence.
The violin does not come with a case or bow.
I have sold hundreds of violins on eBay to satisfied, or more often delighted buyers. My violins are as good as I say they are and I guarantee it. If you buy this violin, and you don't love it, you can return it for a full refund excluding my shipping and handling costs-$39 in the US (nor are international shipping and handling charges refundable). Every penny you pay for the violin, I refund without any hassle or argument. But please plan on making up your mind and letting me know within 14 days. Absolutely no refunds or returns considered more than 30 days after the auction ends.
If you have any questions, or need additional photos, please don't hesitate to email me.
Insured shipping and professional packaging of the highest order is FREE in the US, $49 to Canada and $79 to most other countries. I pack in very heavyweight, custom-made shipping cartons. I use all new materials designed to provide superior protection for old violins. I ship very fast, usually within 24 hours of payment-or less. You can expect your package to arrive safely within a couple of days of your payment.
Thanks for looking!!!!
*********************