Bow & Bridge Violin and bow makers, as the old books printed them

Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 290

Scan 290

the history of the violin, 1864

8 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 268. See the scan on archive.org.

1brownish yellow colour, and not even approaching that used by his instructor. From 1756 to 1766 the following narrow printed labels were in use, so much like that formerly adopted by his master, that the conclusion may be drawn he had succeeded Wamsley in the business, and merely altered the name in the plate:—
3"made by Thos. Smith at the Harp and Hautboy in Pickadilly. London. 1756."
5The violoncellos of this maker, in 1799, were sold for a price varying from five guineas to eight pounds, and it is questionable if he made either violins or tenors.
7John Norris and —— Barnes were instructed in violin making by the foregoing Thomas Smith, and they were fellow-apprentices. On the completion of the allotted time they had to serve, they became partners; and as there is evidence of their dwelling in Windmill Street on the 10th February, 1785, it may approximate to the time at which they commenced business on their own account. The Musical Directory previously alluded to, for 1794, shows at that time they had removed to No. 34, Coventry Street, Haymarket. No instrument of any description has been seen as made by either of these persons, and it is generally considered they became dealers in and repairers of violins, &c. A violoncello is known stamped with their names on the back, at the top, near the neck, but it is certainly the work of Edmund Aireton. The partnership was not one of congenial nature, and as soon as the expiration of the deed of partnership would allow it they separated. It is stated that Barnes retired from business and kept a farm at Hayes, near Uxbridge, and that he died there; however, the church books have been examined, and there is no evidence of his death. It is more probable that he opened a house of business in the old locality, as the Directory

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