Violin.
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InstrumentViolin |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
MakerNicolas |
Date MadeCirca 1830 |
DescriptionThis violin has a soundboard of spruce; back, ribs, neck and scroll of sycamore; fingerboard, pegs, tail-gut protector of ebony. The soundboard is of poor quality workmanship, with a wide grain that appears to have been stained. It is of noticeably lower quality workmanship than the rest of the instrument and may not be original. Poor quality varnish obscures much of the wood grain. The soundboard has ebony/sycamore/ebony purfling. There is a plugged hole from the soundboard into the bottom block. The back and ribs are made of maple and are of deep figure, the one piece back cut through the burr showing very attractive curly grain. The back has plugged holes at the top and bottom. Decorative features: There is a painted decoration on the back and sides. The centre of the back has a shield with three fleurs-de-lys, surrounded by a crown, with a stag's head below, a belt with the motto "Hoc mihi Caesar donavit" and "Charles VI" in a different ink, perhaps added later. The decoration continues on the heel (traces remaining) and on the back of the pegbox. Measurements: Neck length 130mm; fingerboard 252mm long, 23.3mm wide at nut, 42.6mm wide at bottom. Soundboard arch 15mm; Back arch 15mm. Paper label "Antonius Guadaghinus filius / Cremonensis faciebat anno 1809". Playing accessories: chin-rest, 4 fine tuners, metal mute. With shaped wooden case, arched top, with green velvet lining and key; handle missing; containing letter dated 29th May 1924 from Mrs. A.J. Benson, and letter dated 4th June 1938 from Winifred Brackenbury to Ethne (Mrs. C.H.) Brackenbury. Specific usage history: Played by Winifed Brackenbury from 1924 until she was no longer able to play; played by Ethne Brackenbury from 1938. Previous ownership: Purchased May 1924, presumably by H.I. Brackenbury, from Mrs. Benson, Bedford. Current ownership: Gift of Ethne (Mrs. C.H.) Brackenbury. |
Other InformationSpecific usage history: Played by Winifred Brackenbury from 1924 until she was no longer able to play; played by Ethné Brackenbury from 1938. |
NotesD. Martin, 1993-94. |
Measurements587 |
ProvenancePurchased May 1924, presumably by H.I. Brackenbury, from Mrs Benson, Bedford. ; Gift of Ethné (Mrs C.H.) Brackenbury. |
CollectionC.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection ; MIMEd |
Accession Number0967 |