W.E. Hill & Sons, London 1895

This is a very fine example from the workshop of the highly respected W.E. Hill & Sons. The firm was established in 1887 by William Ebsworth Hill. The W.E. Hill & Sons workshop employed a number of master craftsmen; however, Charles Francois Langonet (1861 – 1929) was the leading maker in the workshop at the time this instrument was made, and it seems likely that the violin was constructed primarily by him. The violin is labeled “William E. Hill & Sons / Makers, 38 New Bond Street / London. 1895. No. 107.” The violin is in mint condition and has varnish of a vibrant orange-brown color over yellow ground. The top is made from two pieces of spruce with medium width grain, and the bottom is made from a single piece of maple with striking broad flame descending from the left. The violin has a warm and powerful sound with clarity.