Books › Catalog of Rare Old Violins, Violas and Violoncellos: Also Bows of Rare Makes, 1917 › scan 19
Scan 19
Catalog of Rare Old Violins, Violas and Violoncellos: Also Bows of Rare Makes, 1917
19 lines. Read by computer on 29 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1RARE OLD VIOLINS
3This instrument was brought to the United States by the late R. D. Hawley, of Hartford, Connecticut, who secured it through the medium of Mr. George Hart, of Hart & Sons, Wardour Street, London, in 1879. Mr. Hawley permitted himself to sell it to his life-long friend and colleague, Mr. Albert Pitkin, whose property it remained until it was recently purchased by us, together with the celebrated "Mori" Nicola Amati, now in the R. D. Hawkins collection.
5It is impossible to describe the extraordinary richness of the tone of this instrument. It is unique among violins. Without the somber quality which usually characterizes the works of Brescia, it has all their richness with the added richness and bright soprano quality of the violins of Cremona. It is a quaint tone, the color of which may be compared to wine of a very rare old vintage. It has volume and power for concert or quartet use.
7The varnish, as will be seen from the photograph, is of the richest description and of a rare golden brown color.
9The wood throughout is of the choicest selection. Back and sides are especially handsome. (Plates II, III and IV.)
10Price: $12,000.
12ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS, CREMONA, 1698
14Number 4481. The work of the master at this time was of a different character from that of any later period, in that the arching is more pronounced. The sound holes, edges and corners are more delicate in character, reminding one of the grace and beauty of Nicola Amati in his grand pattern violins.
16It is a large instrument, in a very fine state of preservation and covered with a rich red varnish. It possesses a grand tone which is especially noticeable for its remarkable brilliancy. It is of a very bright, scintillating quality, which is no doubt exactly what Stradivarius sought when he adopted this model, wood and measurements.
18It is an exceptionally effective solo instrument, especially for an artist who requires that particular quality, as many do.
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