Mirecourt, France 3/4 Cello Early 20th C. (FR019) $6,500 CDN

Mirecourt, France 3/4 Cello Early 20th C. (FR019) $6,500 CDN

This cello was made in Mirecourt, France sometime in the early 20th century most likely by the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) factory. It is based on a Stradivari design and is labeled ‘Copie de Antonius Stradiuarius Cremonentis Faciebat Anno 1741’.

It has has been professionally restored with a neck reset setup to modern playing standards. There are some minor scratches and wear consistent with the instrument’s age and playing life, but is in very good condition for a pre WW1 instrument.

The length of back is 680 mm.

Mirecourt

Mirecourt is a small town in the north east of France with a tradition of string instrument manufacture dating back to the 16th century. Some of the finest makers in history have emerged from the area. Mirecourt’s success was built on the guild system which ensured quality control, apprenticeship training standards and the seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Influential Mirecourt makers include Vuillaume, Lupot, Collin-Mezin, Derazey, Bazin, Gand, and Chanot among others.

During the mid-19th century some larger factories with an emphasis on export emerged, the largest being Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL). Worthy competitors included Laberte-Humbert Frères, Didier Nicolas, and Bernardel.