Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 357
Scan 357
the history of the violin, 1864
16 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 335. See the scan on archive.org.
1The work of William Forster (3) was of high finish and neatness, but he did not take an interest in his vocation, though there are some of the instruments made by him exceedingly good in tone. He was generally denominated "Young Forster," and the labels put into the instruments were signed William Forster, Junr., the Junr. being added with a pen, as also the year in which the instrument was made, and the number of it. These particulars were also written inside the instrument, on both vibrating plates, and at the tail-pin, under the varnish. Some persons have often obliterated the Junr. at this place, no doubt for dishonest purposes, as the instruments of this maker do not command so large a price as those of his father.
3The following is a copy of an original label, the Royal Arms at one corner, and the Prince of Wales's Feathers on the opposite corner:—
5"William Forster Junr.
6Violin, Violoncello, Tenor & Bow-maker
71810 Also Music Seller N°. 43
8To their Royal Highnesses the
9Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cumberland."
11The label used in later years had the Feathers of the Prince of Wales on one corner, and the Lion upon the Crown, surrounded by the Garter, on the other side, the paper of the label being much narrower than the former label; the number of instrument, the year, and the Junr. to be added with a pen:—
13"William Forster
14Violin, Violoncello, Tenor & Bow-maker
15to their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales & Duke of Cumberland. London."
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