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Scan 82
A dictionary of violin makers, 1896
23 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 74. See the scan on archive.org.
1Pollusca (Pollusha), Antonio. Was one of the principal makers in Rome in 1751.
2Pons. A maker of guitars in Paris. His instruments were rather shorter than the ordinary pattern, but of a large size. He branded them inside with "Pons à Paris."
3Pons, César. A maker in Grenoble about 1780-1820. His violins were of large size, very arched, the work not very good.
4Porion, Charles. A French maker about 1707. A cither of his is known with eleven strings.
5Polron, Peeter. A double-bass used in the Cathedral of Antwerp is labelled: "Peeter Porlon tot Antwerpen f. 1647." It is said to be still played there. In 1847, its 200th anniversary was commemorated by the following inscription on its back: "Antwerpiæ in Sanctæ Mariæ Verginis uno alteroque ævo Jehovæ Laudes Canui."
6Possen, Lauxmin. A maker of viols and lutes in Schoengau, Bavaria, about 1550-70. In 1564 he was appointed maker and repairer of the instruments of the Munich orchestra, with a salary of 405 florins
7Postacchini, Andrea, b. in Firmo, and was working there in 1824. He was excellent both as a maker and as a repairer of instruments. Label: "Andreas Postacchini Amici filius fecit Firmi anno 1824, opus 214."
8Postiglione, Vincenzo, b. July 14, 1835, at Naples. In 1847 was apprenticed to Vincenzo Jorio for five years. He then devoted much time to studying old instruments; some important work in the way of repairing and restoring some instruments belonging to a certain Signor Fummo also added to his experience. He became a good maker and made a great many instruments, which will gain every year in value.
9Powell, Royal and Thomas. Two brothers who worked in London about 1770-1800. They were employed about 1785-7 by William Forster (1739-1808), and his son, William Forster. Their work was always neat and good. In 1800 they were living in St. John's Square, St. Luke's. Label: "Made by Thomas Powell, 18, Clemens Lane, Clare Market, 1793."
10Pozzurnus. See "Pizzurmus."
11Presbler, Giuseppe. Was working in Milan at the sign of the "Sun" in 1801. In a mandoline was the label: "Giuseppe Presbler in Milano nella contrada della dogana all' insegno del sole, 1801."
12Pressenda, Giovanni Francesco, b. 1777, Turin; d. there, 1854. Was the son of a strolling fiddler, Raffaele Pressenda, who generally lived in Lequio-Berria, a village near Alba, Piedmont. Giovanni also learnt to play the fiddle, but finding his way to Cremona there studied violin making under Lorenzo Storioni, and probably learnt there to make the varnish for which his violins were afterwards noted. In 1814 he was working in Alba, combining cabinet making with violin making; then went to Carmagnole for a short time, and finally, in 1820, settled in Turin, where his ability was soon recognised. He was especially patronised by the celebrated violinist, Polledro, who was appointed Musical Director to the Royal Orchestra at Turin in 1824. His violins are generally made on the Stradivari pattern, not much arched, the sound-holes well cut, the proportions of the thicknesses correct, the wood good, but the scrolls rather roughly finished; the red-brown varnish was of excellent quality. Label: "Joannes Franciscus Pressenda f. Raphael fecit Taurini, anno Domini 1826."
13Preston. A maker in London about 1724. In a guitar of small size was the label: "Preston, maker, London."
14Preston, John. A maker in York about 1785-95. Labels: "Preston, Pavement, York, 1789," and "John Preston, York, 1791, Fecit."
15Prevôt (or Prevost), P. Charles. A maker in Paris, working at 102, rue de la Verrerie, at the sign of "Au Dieu Apollon," from 1775 to 1789.
16Prieur, Claude Edme Jean. Was working in Paris, in rue de la Pelleterie, 1775-77, and in rue de la Calandre, 1779-89.
18Q.
20Quinot, Jacques. A maker in Paris about 1660-80, who was mentioned in 1680 as being "one of the most clever of the honorable luthiers of Paris."
22In a little pocket violin, with carved head, inlaid purfling, and yellow varnish, was the MS. label: "Jacques Quinot à Paris, 1670."
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