Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 300
Scan 300
the history of the violin, 1864
17 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 278. See the scan on archive.org.
1is another instance of the uncertainty of the number of instruments made by the figures on the labels. A copy of a label, with the date 1778, has the number of 106 upon it; and an original one, in 1779, has No. 104; therefore we must leave our readers to guess where he begun. The word "Improved" has been written with a pen on both labels:—
3"Josephus Merlin
4Cremonæ Emulus
5N° 104 Londini 1779
6Improved
7Queen Ann N° 66 Street East
8Portland Chapel"
10Dubourg, in his work on the violin, p. 244, gives an amusing tale of a "Skating Fiddler," and alludes to a circumstance of which Merlin was the cause, and which occurred at Carlisle House, Carlisle Street, Soho Square; but no doubt much deplored by the lady who gave the entertainment.
12Mier, of London, in 1786; but nothing is known of his instruments at this period.
14Miller. The original printed announcement of this person is much injured and mutilated, and it is questionable whether it be not that of the widow, as the last three letters appear to be "lez"; or it may be the termination of Eliza. Some interest may be created in the statement made, therefore a copy of the label is given:—
16"Sold by . . . lez Miller at the Signe of the Citern London Bridge all Sorts of Musical Instruments and Strings fitt for them & old Instruments mended & also there you may have all Sorts of New Tunes &c Musick Books & Songs ruled Books and ruled Paper at Reasonable rate."
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