Scan 25
Catalog of rare old violins, violas, violoncellos, bows of rare makes, 1921
18 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 14. See the scan on archive.org.
1It was brought to this country in the early seventies by Mr. John P. Waters, from the collection of the well-known violin dealer of London, Mr. George Hart. Later on, at Mr. Hawley's earnest request, it passed into his possession by purchase, and there it remained until his death.
3It is a most unique example of Bergonzi's work and none that we have ever seen has a richer or more beautiful tone quality. It is, on account of its model, very easy to play. While it is easier to handle than most instruments, it is not because it is diminutive in its proportions. It was a characteristic of Carlo Bergonzi to set the scrolls of the violins close to the edge in order to reduce the size and at the same time keep the interior dimensions up to normal. This charming Violin is in a most excellent state of preservation. It is covered by a magnificent coating of rich orange red varnish, which is entirely original. The model is quite flat and well proportioned. Some sixty years ago it belonged to the famous Italian collector Luigi Tarisio, and has ever since borne his name. (Plate VII)
5Price: $6,500
7A full description of the Tarisio Bergonzi will be found in the brochure, The Hawley Collection of Violins.
9NICOLA AMATI, CREMONA, 1655.
11NUMBER 5973. This is a most unusual example of Amati's work of the middle period. It is a violin of extraordinary beauty—one of those rare pieces excelling in beautiful wood and varnish, which Amati was wont to turn out at the behest of some royal patron. It possesses a tone of the utmost richness. It is a perfectly delightful violin for ensemble use or for concert playing, especially for any player with a small left hand.
13Price: $6,000
15ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS, CREMONA, 1717
17NUMBER 4483. An excellent specimen of Stradivari's work of the period. Its tone is of the choicest quality, rich and full. It is in every way an ideal instrument for general use. Because of its back it is offered at an exceptionally low figure. The back, done at an early date by Vuillaume, is an exquisite piece of wood, and fits in remarkably well with the general style of the top, sides, and scroll. Its tone is purely Stradivarius in character, and it is difficult to see where it has lost any of its charm by reason of its back. Were this violin entirely original it would bring a very much higher price. The top is of exceptionally fine quality spruce, of straight even grain.
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