ER Voigt Saxon Cello c.1880 (GE042) - SOLD

ER Voigt Saxon Cello c.1880 (GE042)

This is a very good old cello hailing from the Saxony region of Germany, made in the late 19th century. This area was a major source of export at the time, supplying the increasing demand for stringed instruments.

Instruments from the region varied in quality ranging from rough student work to top orchestral quality. This particular cello is a really nice one with some quality features: it is very well carved and has (somewhat uncommonly) 5-ply purfling inlaid around the edges. Along with decorative appeal, purfling functions as prevention to cracking, with most instruments incorporating a 3 ply version. The scroll is beautifully carved, and likely the work of a skilled tradesman, although we have not been able to identify a particular maker.

Like most instruments imported at the time, this cello is unlabeled although the bridge is stamped ER Voigt & Son. Eric Voigt, a descendant of a generational violin-making German family was a highly skilled luthier with a shop in Manchester, England. His shop was recognized as one of the best in England, a worthy northern competitor to the venerable WE Hill & Sons. It is in his shop, likely in the 1960’s, that this instrument was brought up to modern playing specifications with a neck graft, fingerboard work, peg bushings and new bridge fitted.

The cello is in very good condition albeit with some rib crack repairs. There are no crack repairs to the front or back. The rib repairs are solid and the cello is in top playing order.

Interestingly, the pegs are beautifully made of rosewood and gold – this would have been a very expensive setup option at the time.

The instrument is fitted with new Larsen Magnacore professional-level strings and Wittner tailpiece. It produces a wonderful rich, powerful and projecting tone of performance level.

Length of back is 735mm. High resolution photos available on request.