French Cello c.1900 (FR018) $3,500 Canadian

French Cello c.1900 (FR018) $3,500 Canadian

Good French, unlabeled trade instrument, likely made in Mirecourt around the turn of the 20th century. Mirecourt was the center of French violin making at this time; most instruments of this type hail from that area.

This cello has been restored in a number of areas and is now in top playing condition, conforming to modern playing standards. There are a number of crack repairs to the front, none in important sound affecting areas and the scroll has had a break corrected. There are no cracks to the ribs or back, although the back seam has been repaired and a cleat fitted. All repairs are stable. The instrument has been attractively re-varnished and a new bridge, sound post & tailpiece fitted. The length of back is 753mm.

High resolution photographs available on request.

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.