Pietro Guarneri, Mantua c. 1700

This fine and rare violin possesses a tonal richness sought by the most discriminating player. It has the depth and breadth, sweetness and beauty, focus and brilliance to satisfy any demand of the soloist and/or chamber player. It is beautiful in appearance, having been restored to near original condition as shown in the photos. The instrument is to be sold with a letter from J.& A. Beare, London, July 2004, which states: “…it is, in our opinion, the genuine work of Pietro Guarneri of Mantua, whose original label it bears. It dates from c.1700-05. The back is in one piece of handsomely figured maple cut on the slab and with broad, irregular figure running more or less horizontally, the sides are cut on the quarter with flames of narrow medium width, the upper bass rib not original, and the scroll is probably original, though the pegbox has been replaced. The table is in two pieces of spruce of medium grain, narrower at the bass flank, and the varnish is of a red-orange colour, with retouching. This violin is a characteristic example of the maker’s work and measures 35.4 cm in length of body, with widths of 16.4 cm and 20.1 cm.”, with attached color photos. It is to be further accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Hans Weisshar, dated September 1987.