Maurice Mermillot worked with a number of important makers. He started out with Gaillard in Mirecourt and then went to Paris and worked with Buthod. Going back to Mirecourt, he was associated with Nicolas Vuillaume. He also spent time with Antonio Guadagnini in Turin while he was in Military service, later making instruments for him. He returned to Paris and worked with Gand & Bernardel, opening his own workshop there in 1876. This beautiful violin has a big dark, clear tone.