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Ifshin Rare & Fine Instruments

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Luigi Mozzani
13174

Mozzani was a guitar prodigy as a youth who began constructing plucked instruments. He opened up a successful workshop making plucked and bowed stringed instruments. The workshop employed several talented luthiers, and received instruction on violin making from the renowned Carletti family. This violin was made after moving to Bologna, where the business thrived. It has a strong, sweet tone.

Paul Meinel
15054

The Meinel family of violin makers was one of the largest in Germany with over 30 master luthiers. Like all of his family, he trained in Markneukirchen but spent most of his career in Basel, Switzerland. He worked with N.E. Simoutre taking over the business in 1889 when he was only 24 years old.

G.A.Pfretzschner labeled Carlo Micelli "Master Art" *SOLD*
23654

At the beginning of the 20th. century, some especially fine violins were made in Germany, especially in Markneukirchen. Many of these were often referred to as “Art Violins” because of their beauty and quality. The violins labeled “Carlo Micelli” were sought after, especially in this country. The label of this violin is hand inscribed “Master Art” indicating that it is of exceptional quality. Tonally, this violin is truly exceptional, offering a lot of violin for the money.

G.A.Pfretzschner labeled Paolo Fiorini
23622

Violins labeled “Paolo Fiorini” were of high quality generally from the 1920’s, made in Markneukirchen. These “Art Violins” were among the best being made in Germany at that time. In fact, ads from the U.S. distributers sometimes claimed them to have been made in Italy.

G.A. Pfretzschner *SOLD*
19166

The G.A.Pfretzschner workshop in Markneukirchen is best known for their fine bows, but also produced exceptional string instruments as well. This beautiful violin has a truly fine tone.

Charles J.B. Collin-Mezin
9812

The Collin-Mezin workshop made fine violins from the end of the 19th century until the 1950s. The "Le Victorieux" were Charles II own model.

Labeled Georges Cherpitel
18468

Although he wasn’t a prolific maker it is clear from this violin that Georges Cherpital was a highly skilled maker. He worked with his father Nicolas Émile and then worked with Cuesnon.

Silvio Barbieri
13173

Mantua, 1998.

The Barbieri family includes eight violin makers. Born in 1947, Silvio Barbieri studied violin making with his father Bruno. His instruments are beautifully crafted using the finest materials.

Branded Chevrier
20860

This 19th century French violin is built on a large model and has a robust tone.

 

Paolo Virgoletti
19577

Paolo began his training with his uncle Arturo Virgoletti in 1999. Moving to Cremona, he worked with Elio Severgnini. While there, he had the opportunity to restore fine old instruments and study closely the work of the masters. He worked with master makers in Tokyo and Madrid before opening his own workshop in S.Polo d’Enza near Parma. This beautifully made violin has the full, rich tone that we expect from his instruments.

Albert Knüpfer *SOLD*
18838

Knüpfer worked first with A.Wunderlich in Markneukirchen, later with E. Reinhold Schmidt and H.Glass. He established his own workshop in nearby Wernitzgrün in 1904 and continued until after 1950.  He is recognized for his fine work after the classical Italian models.

Jules Grandjon *SOLD*
18334

Jules Grandjon worked in Paris and Amsterdam before opening his very successful workshop in Mirecourt in 1850. His work won a number of medals at a number of competitions at Paris and London. This is a beautiful example of his work with a big powerful tone.

Auguste Delivet
23438

Like so many French makers, Delivet apprenticed in Mirecourt. After working there with Victor Rambaux, he moved to Paris working with H.C.Silvestre. He opened his own shop in Paris in 1892. His work was highly regarded and he won numerous gold medals in major exhibitions. In 1918 he emigrated to Canada working in Toronto and Montreal. This violin has a nice brilliant and responsive tone.

Paolo Virgoletti
19059

Paolo began his training with his uncle Arturo Virgoletti in 1999. Moving to Cremona, he worked with Elio Severgnini. While there, he had the opportunity to restore fine old instruments and study closely the work of the masters. He worked with master makers in Tokyo and Madrid before opening his own workshop in S.Polo d’Enza near Parma. This beautifully made violin has a full, rich tone with great warmth.

Silvio Barbieri
13182

Silvio Barbieri was taught by his father Bruno who learned his craft under Gaetano Gadda.

Giustino dal Canto
9807

Castelfranco di Soto (Pisa)

Alfred Lanini
12250

Although born in California, Lanini studied in Italy, first with Romeo Antoniazzi and then with Farotti in Milan from 1911 to 1914 before returning to San Jose. This violin is a handsome example of Lanini's work, and has many characteristics of the maker's masters.