The Gemunder family of violin makers is among the most important and respected in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries. August and his brother George came from Ingelfingen Germany in 1846, first to Boston then to New York City. August and his son August Martin formed the firm "August Gemunder & Son" which was to become one of the most important and respected violin shops in New York. Almost any famous string soloist visited the Gemunder shop when they were performing in New York. Their violins, violas and cellos were of the highest quality. In fact, a Gemunder quartet won first prize at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.
This beautiful violin has all its original documents including the bill of sale, a personal letter from Gemunder to the owner and appraisal from 1889, remarkable for a violin that is 136 years old. It has been in the same family all this time. In many ways it can be considered a great American historical artifact. It has a wonderful big sound and is fun to play!