Books › Fiddle frauds and how to detect them, 1894 › scan 12
Scan 12
Fiddle frauds and how to detect them, 1894
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1discerning eye, and an unerring judgment concerning old stringed instruments, and the English collectors flocked to him for advice in these matters. His talents were inherited by his son George, so well known as an excellent violinist and a thoroughly competent judge of old violins, who about two years ago died, at but too early an age, deeply regretted by all music-lovers. Let me here add my testimony to the high esteem in which he was held by all who enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance and friendship.
3The old and well-known firm of Hill, established more than a century ago, enjoys a great reputation throughout the world, partly as makers of good instruments, and partly as collectors of old violins. They have in their possession many rare articles and tools from the house of Straduarius in Cremona, said to have been used by that renowned maker. Hill père, in his green old age, is well supported by his two sons, who are also recognised connoisseurs.
5The Fendts were excellent makers of Guarneri and Straduari copies. With the object of satisfying the increasing demand for originals or fine copies of the great masters some makers fell into the error of manufacturing them in vast numbers, at the sacrifice of quality, and at last copied them externally only, and in that condition launched them, under a forged name, upon the market. Thus arose a proletariat of makers who did serious harm to the art, and brought violin-making to the verge of decline and decay.
7In course of time the wholesale imitation of violins denominated "old masters" grew into a fine art, and was, and is still, carried on with a finesse worthy of a better cause. It is of these worthless imitations that persons anxious to obtain a good instrument must in particular beware, and I think it will serve a most useful purpose if I disclose the manner in
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.