Fine antique French violin made in Mirecourt by Nicolas Mathieu circa 1770. Its two hundred fifty-two (252) years old. Paganini was not born yet. Beethoven was just born. Vivaldi was stil a teenager.
COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. It looks fantastic despite its old age. Simply astonishing.
The top is made of two pieces of spruce, and shows irregular grain lines. The back is made of one piece of plain maple. The ribs and head are of the same wood. The head and neck are mid-19th century and have been probably made by the italian maker Nicolo Bianchi in 1845. The violin is an early work of Mathieu, and has been made under the influence of Nicolas Augustin Chappuy. The violin is covered with a deep chocolate-brown varnish on a golden ground, and shows a strong patina.
The violin has been repaired by Nicolo Bianchi in Nîmes in the year 1845. The button of the neck has been doubled with a maple crown. There is a long repair on the top, very close to the center joint, and a few other marginal ones. The violin is in a good playing condition.
The violin has been entirely revised and set-up, including a new set of pegs, a new Despiau bridge, a new tailpiece, a new chinrest and a new set of Thomastik Dominant strings.
On the inside back can be found the original label of the repairer, "Réparé par Bianchi Nicolo, luthier décoré, Nîmes 1845". Under the button on the back can be found the original fire brand of Nicolas Mathieu, a bit worn. The violin is certified 100% authentic.
Dimensions are the following : Body length : 364 mm Upper bouts : 172 mm; Middle bouts : 116 mm Lower bouts : 212 mm.
The instrument comes with a new rectangular case.
The violin has a beautiful mature and very powerful sound, dark and with some baroque accents. A fantastic 18th century french violin with a lot of character that will allow you the most complete repertory.
A wonderful instrument for a sophisticated collector, an experienced musician, a special gift to your loved one or an upcoming musician. An appreciating asset. The price keeps going higher and higher. because (1) of the higher demand and limited supply (they don't make any more 249 year old violins), (2) ongoing inflation of 10-15% a year, (3) currency debasement. Buy it NOW because its the best thing you can do.
If you are a musician, this will be your retirement. Play now and sell in 20, 30, 40 years and retire with the proceeds. Also, you better buy NOW otherwise you will not be able to buy in the future as the prices go up.
NOTE: Serious inquiries only with proof of funds. I may trade and buy your real estate (house, condo, land) and pay you the difference.
********P.S. I am also selling the following fine antique CERTIFIED violins: (1) circa 1770 Germany; (2) Nicolas Mathieu circa 1770, France; (3) Jean-Baptiste Lemarquis circa 1770, France; (4) Chappuy school circa 1780 France; (5) circa 1790 Mirecourt, France previously owned by Glenn Reeves; (6) circa 1800 Germany, (7) Dominique Salzard circa 1830 AND (8) an antique French violin bow from Jean Joseph Martin's workshop (stamped F.N. Voirin).
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