Books › A catalogue of the Lyon & Healy collection of rare old violins, violas, viloncellos, bows of rare makes, 1929 › scan 39
Scan 39
A catalogue of the Lyon & Healy collection of rare old violins, violas, viloncellos, bows of rare makes, 1929
16 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 29. See the scan on archive.org.
1THE THEODORE THOMAS VIOLINS
3We are much gratified to be able to present to our clientele the two highly interesting instruments described below. They are two marvelous examples of the work of George Gemunder and were for many years the proud possessions of Mr. Theodore Thomas, founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. With these two violins is an old rosewood case of English design, the name of Theodore Thomas engraved on the handle plate. While residing in Cincinnati, Mr. Thomas did considerable quartet playing publicly, and at a still earlier date as a violin soloist. Descriptions of the violins he prized so highly are given below.
5GEORGE GEMUNDER, ASTORIA, 1878
7Number 7987. The model is that of Joseph Guarnerius del Jesu. Back: two pieces of handsome maple with sides to match. Top: spruce of medium grain. The varnish is dark orange. The instrument is in an excellent state of preservation. This violin was purchased by Theodore Thomas from Gemunder, himself. The tone is large and of splendid quality.
9Price: $1,500
11GEORGE GEMUNDER, ASTORIA, 1856
13Number 7988. This example is built upon the lines of a famous Stradivarius. The back is of two pieces of flamed maple with sides to match. The top is of wide grain spruce. Varnish is of a golden brown color. The violin is in an excellent state of preservation and possesses a tone of beautiful quality. This violin was selected at the request of Theodore Thomas by the famous violinist, August Wilhelmj.
15Price: $1,500
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