Description: this violin is a fine old French instrument, the work of Gand et Bernardel Freres of Paris, whose label it bears dated 1885. It is a fine and characteristic example of the makers’ work.
Measurements: 35.8cm in length of body, with widths of 16.6cm and 20.6cm.
Violin maker: Gand, Charles Nicolas Eugène. Born 1825, died 1892 Paris France. Son of Charles François Gand, above. Pupil of his father and of his brother, Charles Adolphe. Trained as a violinist under Baillot in the Paris Conservatoire 1840-1842. Joined Charles Adolphe to form Gand Frères 1855. Made Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur 1878, along with other appointments by the royal houses of Belgium and Spain. Renowned as a connoisseur and expert restorer, his own instruments are rare. On the death of his brother, the business was integrated with that of Bernardel, becoming Gand et Bernardel Frères in 1866. Under this name over 2,000 instruments were produced by craftsmen working in the shop, but Eugène oversaw the activity and took responsibility for the varnishing. All instruments fine examples of the Lupot-Gand tradition. [John Dilworth]
This violin is currently available.